OUR WONDERFUL WORLD OF CREATIVITY

Dreamcatcher Productions

WHEN YOU ARE DEVOTED TO THE ART OF CREATION
-
ANYTHING COULD BE INSPIRING

Those who see the world through the lens of love are true visionaries.

We hope you are enjoying these insights into our magical world as we go behind the scenes and explore the infinite possibilities of the people and places we work with, and meet those who make our events truly unique and one-of-a-kind experiences. As one of Ireland’s most sought after boutique wedding and event management companies, we are so fortunate to work with such passionate, inspiring and creative people in our world of weddings and events. We are delighted to share our journey of discovery with you as we speak to our friends from around the globe. Their unique vision and inspiring insights are a wonderful reminder of the masterful way they bring their work to life.

This edition of Our Wonderful World of Creativity series shines a spotlight on Gavin Gallagher and Dreamcatcher Productions. Renowned as one of Ireland’s leading wedding film and video production companies, Dreamcatcher Productions have captured magical love stories for many of our wonderful clients. We have enjoyed the pleasure of working with Gavin and his team on so many magnificent weddings and celebrations over the years. Illustrating beautiful love stories through film, his artistic vision is a true sight to behold as he brings his work to life with enthusiasm, emotion and passion. From shot compositions to the accompanying music, every technical detail is thoughtfully chosen to complement special moments and make memories. Bursting with cinematic quality and finesse, each Dreamcatcher wedding story is intended to capture time the same way memory would.

We are delighted that Gavin has taken the time to share some wonderful insights with us in this series. We hope you enjoy!

LIFE THROUGH A LENS

Dreamcatcher Productions was established in 2005 to fulfil Gavin’s dream of living and working close to the ocean on the west coast of Ireland. Originally making surf films, frequent requests from friends steered Gavin towards the world of weddings.

United by a love of surfing and the outdoors, Dreamcatcher’s expanding team has since grown to include some of the most talented Irish wedding videographers, all united by a passion to capture and produce beautiful wedding films.

GAVIN, YOU HAVE CAPTURED SO MANY MAGICAL MEMORIES FOR OUR WONDERFUL CLIENTS OVER THE YEARS. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF VIDEOGRAPHY?

This is difficult to pin point as I am constantly evolving and experimenting. We aim to produce beautiful heartfelt stories that depict the immense love of a wedding day. Our filmmaking comes from the heart and we aim to create a bespoke wedding film for every couple. To achieve this, we like to connect with our couples and get to know their personalities to deliver a beautiful film, which they can cherish for years. We work with the unique spoken words to tell a special story on each wedding day. Editing is also a hugely important part of the process.

Heartfelt vows and great speeches can give us so much to work with in terms of narrative to drive our film. We get really excited when we see the edit come together with the right music, meaningful words and beautiful cinematic visuals. If we feel the goosebumps, we know our couples will love it too. That is the feeling we strive for when producing a wedding film. Once we have ticked that box, we are super excited to share our films with our couples and let them relive those very precious moments.

DO YOU CHANGE YOUR APPROACH FOR FILMING DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE DAY AND NIGHT?

We mostly film in a documentary style until the couple’s portrait session after the ceremony. At this stage, we begin to direct the couple to make the most of beautiful local locations, weather conditions and light. Once we are set up at the location, I give the couple gentle suggestions on posing, walking and interaction. Our direction is subtle, but enough to ensure we capture some great relaxed and genuine moments. Not many couples have been in front of a camera before so we understand that it can feel very unnatural and sometimes overwhelming. I try to keep the mood fun and light-hearted and I encourage the couple to relax so that they feel comfortable.

LAST YEAR YOU WORKED ON A VERY SPECIAL WEDDING FOR US AT OLIVIA BUCKLEY INTERNATIONAL. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE CAPTURING OLIVIA’S WEDDING AFTER WORKING WITH HER AND THE TEAM ON SO MANY EVENTS PREVIOUSLY?

It was an absolute privilege to be asked to film Olivia’s wedding. I have known Olivia since I started out in the wedding industry in 2005 and she has introduced me to some wonderful couples and incredible weddings over the years.

I knew her wedding would be very special and it didn’t disappoint. The ceremony was absolutely magical and I’ll never forget the beautiful music and the love between Olivia and Bryan expressed on the day. The Olivia Buckley International team produced a truly stunning wedding and their hard work really paid off. Watching Olivia’s father walk her up the aisle, and then deliver such a heartfelt and witty speech, was one of the highlights for me. It was very special to witness and document and it was a wedding celebration I will always remember.

The level of planning, organisation and detail that goes into an Olivia Buckley International event is really remarkable. Olivia and her team could probably organise the take-over of a small country if they set their minds to it! The attention to detail given to staging, lighting, sound, flowers, fireworks and many other elements make filming an Olivia Buckley International event a dream to be part of. I have seen Olivia’s team build the most impressive world-class marquees. They work incredibly well under pressure. I once seen them relocate a beautifully arranged ceremony from inside to outside within a matter of minutes because we decided that the weather would hold long enough for an outdoor ceremony. All done seamlessly and effortlessly, and always with a smile!

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES DREAMCATCHER PRODUCTIONS FILMS SO UNIQUE?

We strive to create personal wedding films to international standards. We love working with couples who are as passionate about wedding films as we are. Whether it is a luxury destination wedding in an Irish castle, or two madly in love souls travelling to Ireland to have an elopement wedding at the Cliffs of Moher, we are as excited about producing beautiful wedding films as people are about getting married! When filming couples we place an emphasis on natural chemistry and working with beautiful light. We plan our locations around the schedule and how much time couples want to spend on the video shoot adventure. From extravagant castle weddings, to wild barefoot elopements, we have seen it all and create truly heart-felt wedding films in all venues and locations.

​WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR COUPLES WHO ARE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT VIDEOGRAPHER?

In terms of style, video and film can be just as diverse as music. It is really important to do your research and find a videographer that feels like the right fit for your vision for your wedding day. The style of cinematography, editing and colour can differ radically from one videographer to another. A lot of couples who enquire with us have done their research and have already decided that they love our style and look. I love working with wedding planners like Olivia Buckley International because they instantly know what creative vendors will work for their clients so it’s a success from the start!

If you get goosebumps from a videographers work, then you are on the right path to working with a creative who captures the right aesthetic and mood for you. I take inspiration from film, documentary and other creative work, and it all gets thrown into a creative melting pot. Many years of experience has enabled me to get a good sense of my client’s taste and produce a film that I feel they will love. I have shot everything from five-star black tie weddings to beautiful brides at Burning Man, while still being true to my style. I think a good wedding filmmaker should have a good sense of taste and take the time and care to sense their couples’ vibe and create a film with their personalities in mind.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT WORKING ALONGSIDE COUPLES ON THEIR WEDDING DAY?

I could write a book on the things I have seen at weddings! When you think about it, it really is the most bizarre and profound insight into people’s lives. We document them getting ready for two or three hours on the morning of their wedding. We listen to all the chatter and craic between family and friends. We film them declare their love for each other and speak the most beautiful words during the speeches. Then we capture them partying the night away until the wee hours – and at that stage things are so much fun! And then we are on to the edit, and the next wedding, and we may never see them again. It is like we have shared an express insight into their lives and from then on we only see them on social media as they go on to have children and live their lives. And that’s what we do for a living – document people’s lives for one beautiful day!

I am fascinated by people, personalities and the diversity of families and groups of friends. We have witnessed some of the most emotional and special moments of joy and tears and that is very special. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of the buzz I get from filming a great wedding – whether it’s in a five star castle or on a cliff in the rain.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A WEDDING?

I have a call with the couple or wedding planner to run through plans for the day and discuss potential locations for the couple shoot. I organise my gear and plan the journey and logistics. I am at my best filming when I’ve had a fun surf or good run and some yoga. We always drive to the venue the night before so I try and get one of these activities in before I begin filming for the day. Exercise gives me more energy and that translates to the energy I have on the day.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE A COUPLE FOR THEIR WEDDING DAY?

Just enjoy it! Try to be present. Delegate time-keeping and logistical responsibilities to your planner or bridal party so you can relax. The weather does not matter – this is Ireland and it is always unpredictable. If you trust us, we will get beautiful images no matter what.

I love when couples really want to go that extra mile and are keen to pop outside later on to take advantage of a stunning sunset. It only takes 10 minutes, and if I am suggesting we go outside it is definitely going to be worth that epic sunset light!

If you would like to view some beautiful heartfelt wedding stories, you can visit Dreamcatcher Productions website here.

“I love working with wedding planners like Olivia Buckley International because they instantly know what creative vendors will work for their clients.”

- Gavin Gallagher

“We have witnessed some of the most emotional and special moments of joy and tears and that is very special.”

- Gavin Gallagher