Company Background

Happy Times Video has been in business since 1980. We originally specialized in the children’s market. My wife, Carole, and I had no desire to grow into a large company. As time went on, though, we experienced strong growth through referrals, and our clients "pushed" us into weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and photography.

Every year we seem to get about 1/3 of our business directly from our existing clients, and the remainder mostly from client and industry referrals. Today, we have many individuals that work with us. In order to be a member of the Happy Times staff, one must have a joyful, caring spirit and be excellent at what they do.

Since each wedding is unique our cameramen know how to capture the essence and feeling of each moment. We shoot and edit in a way that makes anyone feel as though they are part of the video while they are watching it. Although our editing system is fully automated with the latest equipment, we do each edit manually since computers cannot edit with any feeling.

Prices - Programs

We have the reputation for knowing what it takes to provide the correct video and/or photography program to our clients, respecting their creative desires and financial considerations. We do not try to sell the most expensive program, but we do try to sell the correct program for their needs. The difference in our pricing structure is based solely on the amount of time and work we put into each event. However, it doesn't matter which program you choose because you will always get the same four elements: Quality, value, client care, and feeling.

Before our first meeting

Our first meeting seems to work best if you’ve seen some videos and photography from other companies or from friends’ weddings or special occasions. This way you can see what we offer and are better able to compare the differences. We do our best with clients that can see and appreciate the quality and feeling we put into our productions.

Deposit required and when it’s due

A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. However, we understand that everyone’s cash flow is different, and we are flexible to accept a smaller down payment to reserve a particular date. All balances are due 14 days before the event date.

Wedding Planning Tips

1. Try to use a wedding consultant. They usually pay for themselves in the money and stress they save you.

2. Use referrals as much as you can.

3. Try to look at three of each wedding vendor you need, and go with the one that feels the best for you.

4. Don’t shop by price alone. It usually turns out to be disastrous.

Videographer and photographer Tips

1. As mentioned above, see the work of at least three studios.

2. Ask to see a sample video and/or photography that are "client’s quality." Sometimes the demos are specially made and may be different from what you will be getting as a finished product.

3. Look for picture clarity, audio clarity and for feeling behind the work. Also, make sure that the demos portray a good feeling behind the storyline.

4. Go with a studio with which you feel comfortable and have a sense of rapport.

5. We recommend that you use a company that is a member of one or more professional associations. This way you are working with a company that is connected and up-to-date with the heartbeat of the industry. It does not cost that much more to use experts.

6. Use a company that is properly insured and licensed to avoid any problems in case something goes wrong.

7. A videographer or photographer should show their equipment through their work, and not through industry jargon as to what equipment they use. Our experience has proven that technical jargon such as chips, names, etc., confuses the client, and that all they really want is a finished video product they love. Here is where a studio’s reputation comes into play.

What else you should know about our company

We are different than most studios because our equipment is light and enables us to move around and mix in with the activities without being obtrusive. We do not use any bright lights at all! We shoot a combination of documentary and videojournalist styles, and our cameramen are constantly looking to capture the right shots and camera angles. We get involved in each activity as if we were a guest. You’ll see the difference when you view our work.

On pricing of programs, "dollar for dollar" no one can touch us for the quality delivered for the price we charge. Value and total customer satisfaction is what we strive for, in addition to over-killing our clients with service!

We’re proud that over the years, 1/3 of our business keeps coming directly from our existing clients.