As a wedding videographer, one of the best parts of our work is traveling the world to record couples as they tie the knot. In recent years, we’ve filmed in Vail, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Maui, Jamaica, and New York. But traveling with your gear can be complicated. You want to make sure you have all the necessary equipment to capture every moment, but you also don't want to lug around a heavy suitcase. That's why we've put together a list of must-have gear for destination wedding videographers, including the following:

1. Manfrotto Be Free Tripod: This lightweight and compact tripod is perfect for destination weddings, as it can easily fit into a carryon bag. It's also sturdy enough to hold a heavy camera and can be set up quickly for those fast-paced moments. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MKBFRA4-BH-BeFree-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B00COLBNTK/

2. Sony FX3 Cinema-Line Camera: This compact and powerful camera is perfect for destination weddings, as it's easy to transport and produces high-quality footage. It features a 10.2MP full-frame sensor and can shoot 4K video at up to 120fps. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-ILME-FX3-Full-Frame-Cinema-Line-Video/dp/B08WCTB3MK/

3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone: A drone can add a unique perspective to any wedding video. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a top-of-the-line drone that produces high-quality footage and is easy to fly. It's also compact and can be easily transported to any destination wedding location. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/DJI-Mavic-Drone-Integrated-Controller/dp/B07GDC5V6G/

4. Sennheiser AVX Lapel Microphones: Good audio is essential for any wedding video, and these lapel microphones from Sennheiser are a great choice. They're easy to set up and provide high-quality sound for capturing vows and speeches. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-504781-AVX-ME2-SET-3-3-EK-100-G4/dp/B07HJFMZS5/

5. Sachtler Campack Plus Backpack: A durable and comfortable backpack is a must for carrying all your gear to a destination wedding. The Sachtler Campack Plus Backpack is designed specifically for videographers, with compartments for cameras, lenses, and accessories. It's also weather-resistant and can withstand the elements of any location. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sachtler-Campack-Plus-Backpack/dp/B075T3T3HN/

6. Zoom F3 Recorder: Good sound is essential for any wedding video, and the Zoom F3 Recorder is a top-of-the-line option. It features advanced preamps and can record up to 192kHz/24-bit audio. It's also compact and easy to transport. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-F3-Field-Recorder-Production/dp/B01LWXHPUV/

7. Lume Cube Adjustable 5ft Light Stand: Good lighting can make all the difference in a wedding video, and the Lume Cube Adjustable 5ft Light Stand is a great option. It's easy to set up and can be adjusted to different heights and angles. It's also compact and can be easily transported to any destination wedding location.

Check out our most recent destination wedding from Sea Island, Georgia, which we filmed with only two carry ons of gear:

Wine country weddings are a popular choice for couples who want a picturesque and romantic backdrop for their special day. With so many beautiful wineries and vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, it's easy to see why. If you're planning a wine country wedding, here are five must-have shots to capture in your wedding video:

1. Aerial View: A bird's eye view of your wedding venue and the surrounding vineyards is a stunning shot that will set the scene for your video. Consider using a drone to capture this shot, which will provide a unique perspective that you won't get with traditional videography.

2. Vineyard Walk: Take a walk through the vineyards with your partner and have your videographer capture the moment. This is a great opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of the wine country and your connection with your partner.

3. Barrel Room: Many wineries have barrel rooms that are perfect for capturing dramatic shots. The rows of barrels and dim lighting create a moody atmosphere that will add depth and interest to your video.

4. Sunset Shot: Wine country sunsets are some of the most beautiful in the world. Capture this magical moment by having your videographer film you and your partner as you watch the sun go down over the vineyards.

5. Wine Tasting: Wine is a big part of wine country culture, so be sure to include a shot of you and your partner enjoying a wine tasting. Many wineries have tasting rooms that are perfect for this, and it's a great way to showcase the region's famous wine industry.

To help you plan your wine country wedding, here are five top-rated wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys:

1. Beringer Vineyards (www.beringer.com)

2. Chateau St. Jean (www.chateaustjean.com)

3. Domaine Carneros (www.domainecarneros.com)

4. Francis Ford Coppola Winery (www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com)

5. Jordan Vineyard and Winery (www.jordanwinery.com)

Each of these wineries offers a unique experience and beautiful scenery that will make your wedding video unforgettable. Be sure to work with your videographer to capture the must-have shots listed above and any other special moments that you want to remember for a lifetime. With these tips and recommendations, your wine country wedding video will be a stunning masterpiece that you'll cherish forever.