How I Prep And Film Cocktail Hour
How I Prep And Film Cocktail Hour
In this 43-minute video, you’ll see exactly how I film cocktail hour — how I move through the space, interact with guests, and capture all those in-between moments. This is one of my favorite parts of the day because it’s where the energy shifts from formal to fun. And if you’ve watched the ceremony video, this flows perfectly into how I capture that transition from structure to celebration.
Before we get to the live filming, I’ll also walk you through how I prepare behind the scenes: from what I research and ask the planning team and the couple beforehand, to how I coordinate with my team and communicate our plan leading up to the wedding weekend. Then you’ll see it all come to life as I film in real time during a real wedding day.
Use 'WEEKENDRELEASE' for 20% off bundle of 2, this weekend only. Ends December 1st 11:59 PM. Discount applies at checkout.
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As soon as you purchase the course, you'll see a pop-up button on your order confirmation labeled "course access." If you lose that link, you'll receive the same access button to your email.
Click on the access button, log in (no password required), and access your course directly through my Shopify store.
If you have any questions, please reach out to hello@emmakfilms.com
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This mini course is a digital product intended solely for the personal use of the purchaser. Please do not share, distribute, or resell this content to anyone who has not purchased it. Unauthorized sharing or reproduction is prohibited. Thank you for respecting these terms.

These are some of the most in depth courses for wedding videographers I've ever seen! The way Emma dives into, not only the filming side of things, but the pre-production and communication side as well, is simply invaluable. If you're wanting to improve your wedding filmmaking process, this will be the easiest money you've ever spent!
"Watching Emma’s cocktail hour mini-course felt like sitting down with a filmmaker I deeply admire and getting a front-row seat to how she truly works.
What I loved most is how clearly she breaks down her entire prep process. She doesn’t just talk about the shots she wants during cocktail hour — she shows how she prepares for the wedding day as a whole, how she sets her team up for success, how she chooses and packs her gear, and how she builds a game plan long before guests arrive. Seeing the intention behind every decision made it so easy to understand how she consistently creates elevated, luxury-feeling work.
This course gives such a close and honest look at her perspective on how to film cocktail hour with intention. She explains exactly how she moves through the space, how she interacts with guests, what she’s prioritizing, and why certain shots matter. As someone who truly believes cocktail hour is one of the most underrated yet important parts of a wedding day, it was refreshing to see a course that treats it with the attention it deserves. The value of this mini-course is absolutely greater than its price in my opinion! For $109, the amount of detail and clarity she provides is far beyond what you would expect. It feels like getting to shadow her in real time, with nothing held back!
If someone is filming cocktail hour for the very first time, this course gives them a solid foundation and a full roadmap. And if you’re an experienced filmmaker who just wants to take a closer look at Emma’s signature style, her workflow, and her decision-making, you’ll still walk away with so many new ideas!
This course is packed with value, practical insight, and real luxury-level execution. And I think any filmmaker, beginner or advanced, will benefit from learning from a resource like this!"
"$109/each is a STEAL. You literally broke down every single detail of ceremony cocktail hour. I know that this will answer a lot of questions that videographers may have regarding teamwork, gear, planning, scoping, routines, etc."
As a wedding filmmaker, I’m constantly looking for education that goes beyond surface-level tips and actually shows how a professional thinks and works in real time. Emma’s cocktail hour mini course is exactly that. It is one of the most valuable behind-the-scenes breakdowns I’ve seen in our industry.
What stood out immediately was her full transparency. She walks through the exact gear she uses, her in-camera settings, and the reasoning behind every choice. But the real value is hearing her thought process as she films. Emma talks through how she approaches compositions, how she anticipates moments, and how she navigates a crowded space while still capturing elevated, intentional footage.
The mini course also gives a live look at how Emma interacts with guests and vendors. Seeing how she communicates, respects everyone’s personal space, and makes people feel comfortable was incredibly helpful. Her language, tone, and presence are things you can immediately implement.
Another major highlight was her approach to time management and prioritizing key shots. She breaks down the layout of the space, keeps a mental shot list running in the back of her mind, and clearly communicates responsibilities to her second shooters. Watching her delegate with clarity and purpose is invaluable for any filmmaker trying to build a stronger team workflow.
Overall, this course is full of practical, immediately usable insights. Emma is generous with her knowledge and genuinely committed to helping other filmmakers elevate their craft. I walked away with new tools that will improve my efficiency, my communication, and the overall quality of my work.
For anyone wanting to refine the way they film cocktail hours or simply learn from someone who leads with intention and experience, this course is absolutely worth it.