JAMISON BORDEN FILMS | MILWAUKEE WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

The Milwaukee Public Library is one of the most popular spots in the city for engagement photos — but until this past week, I had never shot there myself. Natalie Rose (from Natalie Rose Collective) invited me to tag along to capture some video content for myself, for the couple, and for her socials. We worked together once over the summer (she was wonderful), and with my wedding season slowing down, I reached back out to see how we could collaborate again. This year, I’ve had the chance to film so many  great-looking couples, and Adam and Katherine were no exception. They showed up dressed perfectly for the space — especially Katherine’s dress — and were incredibly easygoing. As soon as they arrived, Natalie got started with them and we were off! Natalie and I quickly found a rhythm. She began with more static poses (which are less essential for my style, since I love incorporating natural movement), so while she got Adam and Katherine warmed up, I focused on architectural details. One of my favorite shots from the session came from these early minutes of exploring the Library’s textures and structure. Shooting in the Library, though, was… challenging. I love the classic architecture, but the heavy tungsten lighting makes video a bit trickier. I was recently talking with my dad (who’s a big music/audio guy) about lens filters and how angles affect how they render an image. I told him about some inconsistencies they can introduce, and he said he actually enjoys those imperfections — they keep you sharp and adaptable. That stuck with me. So while I’m not the biggest fan of tungsten, being surrounded by it pushed me to think differently. It got me excited about trying a black-and-white edit for this session — which will be a first for me. After shooting indoors in that warm, vintage atmosphere, we headed outside for the final part of the session. The timing couldn’t have been better — the sun was dipping, and we got some beautiful blue hour footage with an urban backdrop. Most of the weddings I’ve shot in the last couple years have been outside Milwaukee, in more rural settings. There’s a certain charm to capturing a love story in the middle of the city that I’m excited to explore more moving forward. My favorite part of this shoot was filming Adam and Katherine in the middle of a busy, fast-paced environment. I love being able to shift the energy of a film quickly, and there’s something grounding about slowing down the frame to focus on two people while the world moves around them. It’s an atmosphere and aesthetic I’d love to bring into more of my Milwaukee wedding films. Huge thank you to Natalie, Adam, and Katherine for letting me tag along! I always enjoy challenging myself in new environments, and I’m excited to play with the colors, tones, and overall look of their engagement film over the next couple weeks. If you’re planning a wedding or engagement session in the Milwaukee area and are looking for a videographer to collaborate with — someone who’s focused on capturing your story intentionally — you can reach out to me here ! I’d love to talk through your vision and see if we’d be a great fit. Location:  Milwaukee Public Library Videographer:   Jamison Borden Films  - Milwaukee Wedding Videographer Photographer: Natalie Rose Collective

"Do we really need a videographer?" Lilly and Alejandro's wedding film is a perfect example of why you should consider wedding videography. Over the last few years, wedding videography has gained a lot of traction. Videographers are becoming more common at weddings — and for good reason. Video doesn’t replace photography, it complements it. Both have their own strengths, and together they tell a complete story. I’ve always had a big appreciation for a great wedding photo — an image that captures a moment in time forever. A single photo can tell so much of a story, but video adds something deeper: the movement, the emotion, the sounds. It creates an experience that many couples don’t realize the weight of until they sit down and watch it. Still from a recent elopement I captured in Maui, Hawaii In my first year as a wedding filmmaker, I worked with quite a few couples who brought me in very last-minute. After watching their films, the response was almost always the same: “We weren’t planning on having video for our wedding, but now it’s hard to imagine our day without it.” Why is that the case? Sound Music, vows, a speech from a grandparent or best friend — these are moments a photo simply can’t capture. Being able to hear  the words of a loved one who may not be with us anymore, or the emotion in your partner’s voice as they share their vows, is one of the biggest reasons couples choose video. Video is how most of us experience stories today, and sound is half of that experience. The laughter, the cheers, the gentle tremble in someone’s voice — those are the details that make memories feel alive again. Capturing Missed Moments No matter how perfectly your day goes, there will always be moments you don’t get to see firsthand. Guests laughing together, your parents dancing, your friends reacting during speeches — all things that can’t be recreated. Some loved ones might not be able to attend, and a wedding film gives them a way to truly be there  later on. Couples who didn’t have a videographer often say those unseen moments are what they wish they could go back and watch the most. A Family Heirloom Imagine sitting on your couch ten years from now, showing your kids the day it all began — hearing the music, the laughter, the sound of your vows. That’s what a wedding film becomes: a way to step back into that moment, not just remember it. It’s something that only grows in value over time — a keepsake that outlives trends and technology, and stays in your family for generations. Lilly and Alejandro are one of my favorite couples I’ve had the chance to work with, and their wedding speeches were easily some of the most heartfelt I’ve heard. Capturing the words of Lilly’s parents — then weaving the best moments together to tell their story — is something I’ll never take for granted. At what other point in life do you get to hear your parents speak about you that way? At the end of the day, whether or not you have a videographer comes down to what matters most for you. Some couples dream about having a film from the start, while others don’t realize its value until after their wedding. My biggest advice is to think about how you want to remember  your day — not just how you want to see  it. Photos will always have their place, but a wedding film lets you feel  it all over again. If you're planning a wedding in Milwaukee or anywhere in Southeastern Wisconsin, I'd love to help you capture your story through film. Feel free to contact me here , to chat about creating a story-driven film for your wedding day! Jamison Borden Films - Milwaukee Wedding Videographer

My first wedding film wasn’t in my hometown — it was in Playa del Carmen, Mexico . I was 18, under-equipped, and sleeping on a very uncomfortable, curved couch. But that trip changed everything for me. Discovering the Camera Life I graduated high school in June of 2022, and not long after, I fell headfirst into the world of videography. One of the first YouTube videos I ever watched was titled “How to Make Six Figures a Year With Your Camera.” As an 18-year-old with no interest in college, that got my attention. Skipping student debt to chase a new passion sounded like the right call. That fall of 2022, I bought a filmmaking course and devoured every lesson. Two months later, I finally bought my first camera, a lens, and a key light. Over the winter, I added a few lenses, filters, and batteries to my kit. I was using my gear almost daily and getting better, but I still hadn’t taken the leap into actual paid work. My first ever video recorded on my Sony. A Chance Encounter At the gym I go to, I started chatting with a guy named Cody. Over the next few weeks, we talked more, and one day he mentioned he was getting married in March of 2023  — in Playa del Carmen . When I got home, I looked it up and realized it was 40 minutes south of Cancun. That night, I had the thought: what if I went and filmed his wedding? The next week, I told Cody I’d cover my own travel  and shoot their wedding film for free if they’d let me. He and his fiancée, Grace, were all in — and suddenly, I had my first “job.” Shooting My First Wedding There were a few stars that had to align for it to happen. I had no money for my flight, so my parents loaned me $1,100 for the flight (bless them for that). The resort was all-inclusive, but I had nowhere to stay — until I learned that one of the wedding guests had an open couch. I’m 6'2", and the couch was curved. It was one of the most uncomfortable sleeping arrangements of my life. But I didn’t care. I was in Mexico, about to film my first wedding. I got to Cancun, was bussed to the resort, and spent the next few days walking around with my camera, shooting everything. I had no idea what I was doing, so I figured I’d just capture everything  and see what stuck. When the wedding day arrived — March 27, 2023  — I started with Cody and his groomsmen, then headed to Grace’s room to get details of the dress and bouquets. We even staged a first look since all her bridesmaids had already seen her. Looking back, I was wildly under-equipped. One camera, no audio equipment, no idea how to pose people. But the photographer, Giuseppe , was incredible. He pulled me in and showed me how to direct couples, and the shots I got with his help ended up being some of my favorites. I’m still grateful for that collaboration to this day. The reception was a blast — dancing, speeches, and a comical rap from one of Cody’s best men that caught everyone off-guard. I wasn't able to capture the audio, but the energy was unforgettable. My Turning Point After getting home from Mexico, I spent the next couple of months piecing together their wedding film. I was still figuring out my style, editing off an incredibly slow laptop, and doing so after work at a restaurant job in Madison, WI — a job that couldn’t have been further from filmmaking. By early June, I finally wrapped up the edit. I delivered a physical copy of the film to Grace before heading out of Milwaukee for another restaurant shift in Madison. A couple hours later, my phone lit up with a FaceTime call from Cody and Grace. “You have talent,” Cody said. I’ll never forget that. Up until that point, I wasn’t sure if this path was one I should keep chasing. That moment was the confirmation I needed — proof that I was onto something, and maybe my dream could actually work. Full Circle Fast forward two years, and I now live with Cody and Grace  — in the bottom duplex unit they rent out to me. Talk about full circle. Since that trip, my passion for weddings and filmmaking has only grown stronger. I’ve gotten to meet and work alongside the most incredible people, both inside and outside the wedding industry. Building genuine relationships through my work has become the most rewarding part of what I do. And to think it all started with a borrowed plane ticket, a really uncomfortable couch, and one camera in Mexico — that’s something I’ll always being proud of. If you want to watch Cody and Grace's full film, click here Looking for a videographer to shoot your 2026 weeding? Contact Me Venue:   Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen Location:  Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Videographer:   Jamison Borden Films  - Milwaukee Wedding Videographer Photographer: Giuseppe Messina Photography

One of the most beautiful couples I’ve ever had the privilege to film — and hands down, the best wedding speeches I’ve ever heard. This July 2024 wedding was a major creative milestone for me, pushing me to raise the bar for my storytelling and cinematography. Lilly and Alejandro were referred to me through a friend, and quickly became one of my favorite couples I’ve ever worked with. The love they share for each other is incredibly strong (you can feel it in the vows in their wedding film — linked here ) . But what struck me most while editing their film wasn’t just their connection — it was how deeply they love their family and friends. The emotion at the reception was unforgettable. BTS Photo taken by Nikayla & Co When I arrived at Saint Sebastian Parish  on their wedding day, everything was calm. I always like to arrive early to capture drone footage and get a feel for the space before the day ramps up. The inside of the church had a warm tungsten glow — not the easiest light to work with technically, but it created a beautifully intimate atmosphere for their ceremony. As the afternoon unfolded, Lilly, Alejandro, and their wedding party arrived to start getting ready. The energy felt relaxed and present. I’ve filmed plenty of weddings where it feels like people are just checking off boxes, but this day felt different — slower, more heartfelt. When Lilly did her first look with her bridesmaids, emotions filled the room, especially from her sister. Then her dad walked in, jaw dropped instantly. It was one of those moments that reminds me why I love this work so much. After the ceremony, Lilly and Alejandro decided to share private vows outside the church, in a small garden tucked beside the front entrance. The spot had just enough coverage from a tree to create a quiet, romantic space away from the busy street — the perfect place for such an intimate exchange. Their vows were heartfelt, personal, and had just the right amount of humor (thanks to Alejandro). BTS Photo taken by Nikayla & Co After shooting field, we then headed to Birch in Wauwatosa  for the reception. I already knew I had something special from their vows, but the speeches took everything to another level. The Maid of Honor, Best Man, and Mother of the Bride each gave beautiful toasts filled with laughter and love — but the moment that stood out most was Lilly’s father’s speech. It was, without exaggeration, the best wedding speech I’ve ever heard. He quoted lyrics from songs he used to play for his daughters growing up — from John Mayer to Stevie Wonder — perfectly capturing the love he has for them. I still get emotional when I go back to watch, and I’d highly recommend checking out that moment in the film below. Wedding Photo taken by Nikayla & Co When I sat down to edit their wedding film, I realized something I’ll never forget: great footage matters, but what makes a film truly special  are the words and emotions that bring it to life. Lilly and Alejandro’s day reminded me why I started doing this in the first place — to tell stories that make people feel something and bring us closer together. Watch the full wedding film - linked here . Venues:   Saint Sebastian Parish & Birch Wauwatosa Location:  Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Videographer:   Jamison Borden Films - Milwaukee Wedding Videographer Photographer: Nikayla & Co Reach out to me about your wedding day - Contact

Most of us probably remember late June of 2025 — some of the hottest, most humid days of Wisconsin’s summer. June 21st, in particular, was one for the books. That’s the day I filmed Erica and Jared’s wedding out in Waterloo, about 20 minutes east of Sun Prairie. Barn weddings have so much character. As someone who enjoys being out in nature just as much as shooting in the city, I love the greenery that Wisconsin barn venues are known for. The Wildwood Barn sits beneath some of the best forest cover I’ve seen at a barn venue — which turned out to be a huge blessing on such a hot day. The natural canopy gave us great shade and soft light, perfect for capturing flattering, cinematic footage. When you arrive, you’re immediately surrounded by trees and lush vegetation. Through the greenery, you can spot the rustic cabin, barn, tent, and outdoor ceremony area. The property feels much larger than it looks from the road, with winding paths that give you a variety of backgrounds to shoot in. It’s compact, but it never feels cramped — ideal for us videographers and photographers who like to move around. The main cabin at The Wildwood Barn Erica and Jared were one of the most kind, warmhearted, and funny couples I’ve worked with. Their love story goes all the way back to kindergarten. Despite the humidity, they didn’t break a sweat — literally or figuratively. Their joy carried the day. As the sun began to set, the heat finally broke, and venue owner Nate offered to drive us out in a UTV to a nearby prairie field. The tall grass caught the light perfectly — straight out of a movie scene. While Cheyanne, the photographer, worked her magic, I sent up my drone and captured what might be my favorite aerial shot from any wedding to date. Top down drone shot of Erica & Jared Planning a wedding near Madison or Milwaukee? The Wildwood Barn is one of the most scenic venues I’ve filmed at — and it’s perfect for couples who value timeless, cinematic wedding films and natural light portraits. If you want to check them out, click here . If you want to watch Erica & Jared's Wildwood Barn wedding film, or any of my other films, click here . Venues: The Wildwood Barn & Cottage Location:  Waterloo, Wisconsin Videographer:   Jamison Borden Films  - Milwaukee Wedding Videographer Photographer: 1247 Productions Reach out to me about your wedding day - Contact