Readings are integral part of the ceremony, but I really doubt you want to put them on your final video. Audio is usually poor; you may not be able to come close enough to get a good shot. If you are feeling that this is the case, talk the bride out of shooting entire readings. Instead offer to include a nice shot of the ceremony participants coming up to the podium and setting up for the reading. Then you can insert a transition shot: wide shot of all the guests, close up shots of close family, and, of course, bride and groom. After transition you may establish the next participant, and so on.
Keep in mind, if you have to shoot the entire reading, you will be limited in getting reaction shots I have just mentioned.
The candle lighting is getting more and more popular at the wedding ceremonies, and the married couples want to see that captured on tape.
For the candle lighting ceremony three candles, two smaller ones and a big one in between, set on the altar. The groom and the bride approach the altar, each receiving already lit candles from the priest. They light small candles sitting on the table and leave the big one unlit. Wait until the end of the marriage ceremony; we’ll get to it.
If you are allowed to move around, position yourself behind the candles, so you can see the married couple’s faces. If not, still try to include as much as possible in your shot.
Without rolling, zoom in and focus on candles, then zoom out and start rolling wide, following the bride and the groom approaching the candle set. Let them start lighting the candles, and then slowly zoom in on fire. If you get it - you are on fire.
