How long have you been shooting weddings?

I started officially shooting weddings in 2016. Between 2020 and 2023 I had to take a step back from the wedding industry. I was working full time in corporate tech, dancing in a company, doing independent video production outside of the day job, and in 2021 I co-founded a dance studio in NE Minneapolis. There was just no time to do everything. In mid-2023 I left my corporate job to fully dedicate myself fully to my two small businesses here in Minneapolis — meaning I have the bandwidth to do wedding videography again.

What is your background in video?

If you really want to go back, you could look at all our home videos when I was a kid and probably 70% were shot by me, closing with "I'm Laura Sukowatey, thanks for watching." (I wanted to be a news anchor.) I studied photography in college while majoring in print and broadcast journalism, which led me into more video work.

I worked as a creative writer just after college, and my role evolved into video production and marketing starting in 2014. I have experience in both technical and artistic industries as a director, cinematographer, editor, and photographer. I am the co-founder of Hothouse, a dance space in Minneapolis for adults. There, I’ve developed our visual brand in photography, video, and design. I also run a small production studio in NE Minneapolis called STUDIO AURA and occasionally I work in live event production as a director.

Can we meet with you before booking?

Absolutely, I'd prefer we meet in person to get to know each other! 

How soon should we book?

Most people book around 6-9 months in advance.

What's the payment process?

Payments are due in thirds. An initial payment is due at the time of booking; this officially makes the date yours and is non-refundable in a cancellation. A second payment is due 1 week before the wedding, and final payment is due when you receive the final links to your film on Vimeo. Once I receive final payment, I'll perform a file transfer of all files for you to download and archive. Vimeo links will remain in perpetuity.

What gear do you use?

Primarily I shoot on a BlackMagic 6k Pocket Cinema, with a variety of lenses and stabilizing gear. For audio I have ZOOM field recorders with lavalier microphones.

What’s the editing process like and how soon can we expect to see our video?

Normal turnaround time is 3-4 months. I do offer an expedited turnaround of 3 weeks for a $300 fee. The editing process is where everything truly comes together, and I give it the time and attention it deserves. I spend hours refining the timing, flow, and pacing to make sure every moment feels just right. I also shoot all my footage in RAW, meaning I custom color grade everything — giving your wedding film a cinematic, emotional look that feels true to your day. 

Do you have travel fees?

I charge mileage for travel 1+ hours outside of Minneapolis and request a hotel be covered the evening after the wedding for anything over 2+ hours away.

Will you require a meal?

Having a vegetarian meal and a quick break at dinnertime is included in the contract.