Bad video help

I admit I'm little biased here, because my husband is a videographer who is very passionate about his work, so hearing about bad video really bothers me a lot.

Did you end up with assistants? Is it possible that the main videographer contracted your wedding out?

The danger of social media and portfolios is that you often only see the best. (This is why my husband prides himself on the fact that when you look at his social media, it is every wedding he does, not just the really good ones.) If they are a very busy company, they may simply contract weddings out to other people, and if they aren't good, they just don't post them.

You have two options here.

You can reach out to the videographer directly - I know that is exhausting since you've been dealing with them for months (which is unacceptable, in my opinion, but I digress) - and let them know you are extremely dissatisfied. Request the raw footage, and while I'm not necessarily saying threaten them, if they mention a charge for the raw footage, explain that you want it because you are unhappy with the product they provided, and you will make sure to leave an unfavorable review unless they provide it for free. Then you may be able to take that footage to a freelance editor who might be able to help. Some modification can be done - shakiness can be mildly stabilized, audio can sometimes be adjusted, although if the audio is unsalvagable, they may only be able to make you a music video.

If you don't want to go through that (I get it - it would suck to have to pay twice to get a wedding video you are happy with) then absolutely leave a negative review. That may even lead to them reaching out to see what they can do to make you happy.

I'm sorry you experienced this.

With this information, I would recommend reaching out to give them the chance to fix it first before leaving a review. If your in-laws know them personally, they should have an interest in making sure you are happy - or maybe that's why they gave you what they did, because they didn't think you would complain.

The best thing to do is be diplomatic, but don't settle. Be polite, but make it clear to them that you aren't happy. Maybe they just got overwhelmed with work (especially now that COVID restrictions are lifting) and cut corners editing because you're "in the family", so to speak.

Give them an opportunity to make it right first. If they don't, then a word of caution to other brides is fair.

You've already received from great advice here. I just want to reiterate that the quality of video you describe is absolutely unacceptable. Were your engagement photos delivered in a timely manner? I wonder if they just know something went terribly wrong and its why it took them forever to deliver you a final product.

You have to let them know you are unhappy with the product they received. If they had a serious issue with recording (maybe their primary video got corrupted somehow) you may be seeing their "backup" or B-roll camera only. Perhaps the delay was them trying to salvage something they just couldn't. If they are reputable and professional, they will stand by their work and if they messed up they will admit it. If it cannot be salvaged at all, they should give you a refund.

I'm a photographer. There is a LOT you can do to ensure this never happens to a client, but sometimes bad stuff does happen and even the most well prepared can have a mishap that just is beyond control (both your primary and backup cards in camera could corrupt, or a fire or theft could result in complete loss of an event). Regardless, a professional who cares about their reputation, takes pride in their work, and respects their clients, will absolutely do what they can to make it right.

Is this an actual company? Or just someone you know that did your photos and videos for you?

I would reach out to them again and tell them how unhappy you are. I would ask for your raw footage and I would also ask for a refund. As RaylaSan mentioned, you can haw the raw footage edited by an outside company. Unfortunately, you can't do much about talking and screaming children. That's the risk you take when inviting children to your wedding.