Pre-Wedding Story Sessions That Let Your Love Speak

a couple on Whitstable Beach during a pre-wedding story session video shoot, by Luke Batchelor
A woman smiles sitting against a wooden sea wall in Whitsable beach during an engagement video shoot
a future groom sits on a pebble beach leaning against a wooden sea wall during a pre-wedding video shoot in Whitstable

A Cinematic Approach to Your Story Before the Wedding


A story session is more than just a pre-wedding film shoot—it’s a chance for you to slow down, connect, and tell your story in a way that feels authentic, relaxed, and personal. These sessions take place in a location that means something to you, whether it’s a windswept beach, a countryside trail, or your own home. I’ll quietly capture the two of you as you talk, laugh, reflect, and simply enjoy being together—while weaving in audio of your voices, your memories, and your emotions to create something deeply moving.

Whether used as a standalone film or layered into your wedding video, story sessions bring emotional depth and narrative power to your celebration.

As an example, below you can view Megan and Martins beautiful and romantic story session recorded on the shores of Whitstable Beach.

Why My Pre-Wedding Films Feel Different

Not every engagement shoot is created equally. My approach is shaped by my background in cinematic storytelling and editorial wedding films. I’m not interested in overly staged or scripted moments—instead, I focus on capturing the energy between you two, just as you are.

What makes these sessions unique:

  • Natural direction: I will gently guide you, but never force moments that don’t feel like you.

  • Audio storytelling: Using your voices—whether through informal interviews or simple conversations—I craft a film that speaks.

  • Visual emotion: Movement, light, and setting all come together to elevate the narrative visually and emotionally.

Why Choose Luke Batchelor Productions for Your Story Session?

As a wedding filmmaker, I’m always chasing truth, beauty, and meaning. My story sessions are designed to capture those early layers of your relationship—before the aisle, before the dress, before the day begins. This pre-wedding film becomes a legacy piece in itself or an unforgettable prologue to your full wedding film.

Couples who choose a story session often tell me it was the most relaxing, meaningful part of the whole process.

Why I Love Creating Engagement Shoot Films

Some of the most powerful wedding films I’ve ever created began with a story session. There’s a quiet intimacy to these shoots that’s unlike anything else—a freedom to be yourselves without the structure of a wedding day timeline. I’ve filmed on clifftops at golden hour, beside bonfires on the beach, and even in a couple’s garden. Every story session is different, because every love story is different—and that’s exactly why I love them.

What I Bring to Your Pre-Wedding Film Shoot

When we work together, I bring a calm, experienced presence and a strong editorial eye. I’ll help you feel at ease in front of the camera while remaining sensitive to your personalities and comfort zones. I’ll capture honest moments, visually compelling footage, and audio that elevates your wedding film into a deeply personal story.

Story sessions can be booked as a standalone film or as part of your full wedding videography package. Either way, the result is something you’ll treasure forever.

An editorial wedding videography shot of a couple by a pink blossom tree on their wedding day at Balcombe Place

“The cinematic way in which he films and edits all his wedding videos was just a perfect fit for us.

For most of the time we forgot we were even being filmed, so we were truly ourselves without any nervousness! He managed to capture every emotion and caught so many little candid moments that were just a joy to re-live.

His professionalism, care and general gentle persona leaves you at ease throughout the entire process and the finished product was truly incredible.”

Kezia & Bradley, Balcombe Place

Let's Tell Your Story

If you want your wedding film to feel truly personal, a story session is the perfect way to begin. Whether you want to include your voices, your memories, or just the quiet way you look at one another—this is the space for it.

Get in touch to book your engagement shoot videography or add a story session to your wedding options.

Wedding Film Portfolio - Discover More

If you loved the vibe of Emma and Sam’s New Year’s Eve wedding film, you might also enjoy these:

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  • A cinematic image of a groom kissing bride whilst sitting on steps at Wadhurst Castle wedding.

    "You are the most talented videographer out there- not only do you capture weddings so perfectly but your presence and professionalism is impeccable. From the bottom of my heart- thank you. I am so grateful to have met you and for the films you have created for us.

    Sarah & Billy, Wadhurst Castle

  • An editorial portrait of a bride holding bouquet whilst groom kisses her at Swynford Manor wedding

    "I can't stop watching it, I love every single moment!"

    Annabel & Ross, Swynford Manor

  • A couple pose for wedding videography by a lake at an Orangery wedding.

    "Luke has really made the way we will look back on that day so much more meaningful to us. I have had countless friends and family say that ours is the best wedding video and that they've never seen anything like it"

    Kirsty & Stan, The Orangery

  • Emotive wedding photo of a bride hugging her father on her wedding morning, captured by Luke Batchelor

    "Our video is so emotional and brought back so many beautiful memories that we will treasure forever. Simply the best!"

    Amy & Kieran, Chiddingstone Castle

  • Natural couple portrait of a groom leading the bride down the steps at Balcombe Place wedding

    "He managed to capture every emotion and caught so many little candid moments that were just a joy to re-live. His professionalism, care and general gentle persona leaves you at ease throughout the entire process and the finished product was truly incredible"

    Kezia & Bradley, Blacombe Place

  • A natural light shot of a couple by barn doors at Winters Barns wedding, captured by Luke Batchelor

    "When we received our video from Luke, I sobbed like a baby. It was romantic, magical and overall just pure love. It really is over and above what we expected and we feel so much love being able to share Luke's work with our nearest people"

    Alana & Carl, Winters Barns

  • Editorial pose of a bride and groom walking down steps at a Ravenswood wedding

    "Incredible is one word that sums up our experience with Luke as our wedding videographer. Luke made it seem effortless from the very beginning by prioritising our needs and working with us to create a vision that suited our dream wedding"

    Daria & Kieran, Ravenswood

  • An artistic shot of a couple standing by a rotating carousel at a Preston Court wedding.

    "Luke was a great asset to our day, he made us all feel so comfortable and sometimes we didn't even know he was there filming in the background! If you're reading this debating whether to book, DO IT, you won't regret it!"

    Nicole & Andrew, Preston Court

  • An editorial shot of a bride and groom standing in an orchard, captured by wedding videographer Luke Batchelor

    "We are completely and utterly blown away. On multiple occasions the comment has been 'best wedding video I have ever seen'. Thank you for giving us the gift of this memory Luke, we are over the moon"

    Beth & Hugo, Kent

FAQs

  • Yes—your session can take place anywhere that feels meaningful to you. Beaches, woodlands, cities, or your home all work beautifully.

  • Most story sessions last between 1–2 hours, depending on the location and your preferences.

  • Absolutely. I’ll help you feel comfortable, suggest prompts if needed, and gently guide the flow to make sure the film feels natural and true to you.