Mastering storytelling vital to creating memorable wedding cinematography – Lanre Esho

For Olanrewaju Esho, the Creative Director at Frontline AV Production, creating lasting memories and mastering the elements of storytelling is one driving force that has kept his brand growing for years.

With over a decade of experience, Olarenwaju seamlessly blends cinematic storytelling with technical expertise, making him a sought-after figure in these fields.

Olanrewaju’s reputation in wedding cinematography is impressive. He has traveled to over eight countries to capture luxurious destination weddings, creating timeless narratives that resonate deeply with his clients. Notably, he filmed the glamorous Lagos wedding of superstar Davido and Chioma and has collaborated with many industry giants to create timeless master pieces . His ability to capture the essence of love through cinematic techniques and his focus on storytelling have made his wedding films deeply emotive and cherished by couples.

Speaking about the essence of mastering the art of storytelling in wedding cinematography during an interview, he said, “At the core of every wedding story is emotion. Weddings are charged with raw, authentic moments that, when captured correctly, evoke nostalgia, joy, and even tears long after the couple says “I do.” From the nervous anticipation before the ceremony to the heartfelt vows and the joyful celebrations afterward, my goal is to capture not just the events of the day but the emotions that make each wedding unique.

“To achieve this, I employ techniques that highlight these emotional peaks. For instance, during the vows or the couple’s first look, I rely on close-up shots to capture intimate expressions—whether it’s the subtle quiver of lips or the tear-filled eyes of the bride and groom. These small moments convey so much emotion, and when edited into the final film, they serve as emotional touchpoints that resonate deeply with the couple and their loved ones.

“Another key moment to capture is the reaction of family members and friends, especially parents. The look of pride in a father’s eyes as he walks his daughter down the aisle or the heartfelt embrace from a mother after the ceremony are golden moments that add depth to the story. It’s not just the couple’s story we’re telling, but the intertwining of two families”.

He continued, “ One of the most critical aspects of wedding storytelling is understanding the couple’s unique narrative. Before shooting any wedding, I make it a point to have in-depth conversations with the couple. I want to know how they met, what their journey has been like, and the moments that are most important to them. This personal connection allows me to film with purpose, ensuring that every shot has meaning.

“For instance, during the wedding of the daughter of a past Senate president, the family emphasized the significance of a particular cultural ceremony. By understanding the importance of this moment, I was able to focus my efforts on capturing the ceremony from multiple angles, ensuring that its cultural and emotional significance was preserved in the final film.

“This client-centric approach also extends into the editing room. Post-production is where the true magic happens. Here, I carefully piece together the footage to create a cohesive story that reflects the couple’s personality. The use of music plays a significant role in setting the tone. For some weddings, a slow, romantic score might be the best fit, while for others, a more upbeat, joyful track brings the celebration to life. I also weave in natural audio, like the laughter during the reception or the soft-spoken vows, to heighten the emotional connection.

“In the end, a wedding film is not just about what happened on the wedding day—it’s about preserving the essence of the couple’s love story. When couples watch their wedding film years later, I want them to not only remember the day but to relive it. By combining cinematic techniques, emotional storytelling, and personal client interaction, I create wedding films that stand the test of time, films that evoke the same feelings of love, joy, and nostalgia each time they are viewed.

“That’s the power of storytelling in wedding cinematography—it turns a one-day event into a timeless narrative that couples and their families can cherish forever”.