Not many of the couples I work with hire videographers for their weddings, but they should! I was the DJ for Allison and Matthew's wedding and Smiling Toad Productions handled the videography. It was so cool seeing clips of their wedding video afterwards. So cinematic! read more

Working with smiling toad was such a pleasure. They were very professional did an amazing job and shot some amazing videos of my camp themed wedding. They had three different shots of the ceremony with all different angles and capture the audio perfect. I would highly recommend this company they are on time, professional, and affordable. read more

John and his team put together an amazing video for us! It makes me so happy to watch it. We can't wait to share it with everyone. They have a great eye and are super nice and professional to work with. Would highly recommend! read more

Wary about hiring a videographer, my husband and I talked to many friends and family about if a videographer is worth it. All of those who did not have their wedding on video wished they did and knowing that, I did not want to have any regrets about our wedding day. We did our research and came across Smiling Toad Productions. We liked how they capture everything we wanted in a wedding video from parts of speeches, and dances, to a cinematic movie telling a story of our relationship. It's exactly what we wanted. John was very responsive, and the process was very simple to hire him. We received our video last week and I'm embarrassed to say how many times I've watched it. Reliving our day is priceless and I recommend Smiling Toad Productions to anyone looking for a quality wedding video. read more

Smiling Toad was everything we wanted and more for a wedding video service. They were very thorough and communicative on the front end leading up to our big day and then extremely professional and helpful on wedding day. We keep hitting the 'replay' button on the wedding video they made for us and sending it all over to friends and family. Truly was amazing. Prices are more than fair compared to competitors. We weren't sure about getting a videographer for our wedding but now we are so glad that we did. Smiling Toad was a 10/10 decision. read more

We used smiling toad for our small covid wedding. Originally we were unsure about having a videographer but with so many friends and family unable to attend we decided we wanted to give them a way to feel a part of our day. We are so glad we decided to have a video not only for them but for us!! The video captured so many tears, laughs, and funny moments that pictures alone can not. We will cherish our video forever. The whole crew was awesome to work with and John was supportive throughout the whole process. We are so happy with our final product and would recommend smiling toad to all of our friends! read more

I asked for a "Breakfast Club" themed wedding video. And they delivered. Perfectly. And it was still the classy tasteful high production video memory that my wife was looking for. And really that is all you need to know about why to hire John and the Smiling Toad team. Best decision ever. But perhaps you want a bit more of the backstory... My wife was pretty gung-ho about having a wedding video. As was our coordinator. I was a bit more meh. I mean, my feeling was always....boooooooring who would want to watch that again and again. So I jokingly started demanding something that I would like a wedding video that I would actually want to watch over and over again. You know, like the Breakfast Club (perhaps one of the greatest movies ever). So they secretly coordinated with the Smiling Toad team to weave in some Breakfast club references into the final video. The team was great during the day -- they were there, but you hardly noticed them. And when we watched the video we couldn't believe how perfectly they were able to capture all the moments -- big and small -- throughout the day. Turns out when you're getting married the whole day is a blur and people are like I heard it was a ruckus and then they ask you to describe the ruckus. Well if you've got a video you can then relive the ruckus and all it's glory. So now I'm pro wedding video. And the best part is you get to see that all of your friends how you want to see them. Enjoying the party. Dancing really poorly. Enjoying a cocktail or two. Celebrating and having a great time. Does that answer your question? Sincerely, The Breakfast Club read more

We used Smiling Toad Productions for our wedding in January and we're so impressed with them! John, the owner, came over to our house for the initial consultation and we knew right away that we wanted to work with him and his team! John was great to work with prior to the day and his team was great the day of. Looking back, I barely even remember them being around, they blended in really nicely but were also willing to do any specific shots that I asked for. The turn around time was really quick and they were even willing to make a few edits to our video and change the song after the final product which I thought was really great. Their pricing was very reasonable and I couldn't imagine not having the 3 videos (4 minute trailer, 13 minute highlight video - with 3 songs, and video of our entire ceremony). The day goes by so quickly so having the videos is just amazing to look back at all the things we missed. I highly, highly recommend John and his team for your wedding videographers, I wish I could get married all over again so I can use them again!! Here is the link to our trailer video: https://vimeo.com/88995283 read more

My husband and I chose Smiling Toad to film our wedding day this past November at Holy Name Cathedral and the Sofitel. At first, we weren't even sure we wanted to have a videographer - we thought pictures would be enough. A friend recommended we check out Smiling Toad, and we decided to go with them. Best decision ever. I can't believe I even entertained the thought of not having a videographer! We were in contact with John, mostly through email. He explained the packages thoroughly and helped us pick the right one for our needs and budget. He made it all so simple for us. Our videographers, Sam and Fernando, were fantastic to work with too. They were prompt, professional, and amazing at what they do. They gave us great suggestions while taking photos, and during the ceremony and reception we barely noticed they were there! Our video turned out better than we could have imagined. They captured everything we hoped for and more. You won't be disappointed with Smiling Toad! read more

Smiling Toad Production recently videotaped my wedding in September at the Trump International Chicago. Although i did not have anything to do with scheduling them my wife did i am really glad she did. They where so good and captured every special moment of our wedding. What i liked best is i really didnt even realize they where there. The quality and editing was outstanding. Somehow they managed to capture every perfect moment. They even included a very unexpected but amazing surprise in our video. I was shocked when i saw it and immediately email John to thank him. (lets just say i am a huge football fan and John didnt even miss that). I would recommend them to anyone. read more

A videographer was one of those things that i didn't think i wanted for my wedding. Perhaps it was years of big cameras blocking the aisle and bright lights shining in my eyes at receptions that made me cringe at the thought. I was against video until a co-worker mentioned that she couldn't wait to see hers, b/c she couldn't remember a thing from her wedding day. i heard this and panicked - and immediately began the hunt for a videographer. I stumbled upon John and Smiling Toad Productions online, and choosing to work with him definitely was the right decision. Here are some pros: - John was great to work with and the price was right for us. His package prices were reasonable and included two cameras at our wedding and reception (many vendors offer just one for the same price) - the cameras they used were basically Nikon cameras with HD video. Nothing like a typical video camera with giant bright lights which was a relief - The cameraman who traveled around with the bridal party for pictures (his name escapes me - Fernando i think??) was great. He was soft-spoken and kept to himself, but was willing to get adventurous with us for our "around the city" pics (onto the L platform, running across Michigan Ave, etc.). I didn't even notice him or John at the wedding or the reception. - John was very responsive during email correspondence - The best part was the end result. We absolutely love our video and have watched it at least 50 times already. We were able to provide songs of our choice, and John did a great job of editing everything together along with photos from our photographer. Overall, we were very pleased with our decision and would recommend Smiling Toad Productions. And if you are on the fence about whether or not to have video, do it. you won't regret it! read more

We could not have made a better decision than to go with Smiling Toad to capture our wedding day. Almost a year out from our wedding and I still watch the videos all the time - John and his team were a joy to work with leading up to and on the wedding day (they were ninja-like on the actual day too - very stealth and still managed to get every moment!) and the videos are incredibly professional and gorgeous. To top it off, they were extremely prompt in delivering the videos. We couldn't be more grateful to Smiling Toad for our beautiful videos and we will treasure them forever (can't wait to show them to our grandkids!) Advice to future bride/groom-to-be's: don't think twice about hiring them for your own wedding!!! read more

My wife and I could not have been happier with Smiling Toad's wedding coverage. We were interested in having the ceremony covered and also wanted the beginning of the reception filmed, but not necessarily the late night dancing and all of that. John was extremely flexible in working out a package that worked for exactly what we wanted. I was also impressed with the final product on DVD. My wife and I loved the "highlights," which was a good way to condense a day-long event into just a few minutes. read more

First off, get a videographer for your wedding. It was one of the best decisions we've made. Secondly, go with Smiling Toad! My wife and I got married at Salvage One this March. Smiling Toad was the most accommodating, customizing, affordable, and professional videographers we had encountered. The process prior to the wedding was seamless. John at Smiling Toad was quick to answer all of our questions and offer great options for music to include in the trailer and highlight film. During the wedding, the two videographers were extremely professional and skillful in their craft. They were not intrusive or "in the way" at all. At one point, I asked if the videographers left already, but they were just doing an amazing job of blending into the crowd! John was extremely prompt in delivering our videos after our wedding. Watching these videos brought back all of the feelings and emotions that we experienced during the wedding and allowed us to see so many of the moments that we missed in the excitement of the day. The wedding was captured in the truest of forms and done in such a beautiful way. We have received so many amazing compliments from our friends and family about our videos. Thanks again, Smiling Toad, for being a part of such a memorable day and allowing us to feel like we are reliving our wedding every time we watch your videos! read more

My husband and I weren't really sure that we needed a videographer for our wedding - all the videos that we'd seen before always looked so cheesy and we hated the way other videographers would follow the guests around the whole day (we've even seen one with a huge blinding light on the dance floor before). Anyways, we finally decided that maybe it would be a good idea to capture the day and came across Smiling Toad online. Their sample videos were great, so we decided to hire them. Wow - I really couldn't have asked for a better experience. John was really great - very responsive to emails and really skilled with a camera. Actually, one great part was that we really didn't see the videographers (there were two that came) at all during the whole day, but the footage looks like they were right there the entire time! We got the videos back in a reasonable amount of time (~3 weeks) and couldn't be happier with the results. The trailer/highlight videos are really outstanding - we couldn't wait to show them to all of our friends and family. If you're torn about whether to hire a videographer, these guys are definitely well worth it! Thanks so much! read more

Nothing I can say about Smiling Toad (positively) that hasn't already been said. I wasn't sold on the idea of a videographer at first, but my wife insisted she'd found a great company to work with. After dealing with STP, I think she chose well. They're great, they're professional, they're worth paying for. Our contact, John, catered to our tastes -- more documentary style... you know, Werner Herzog but without the existential doom -- and made us feel really heard when we told him what we were sure would and wouldn't work for our preparation time, ceremony and huge wedding reception. He customized a great package for us, and was very flexible with pricing/payment options. He rolled with last-minute changes like the superstar he is. We had a few "no-no's," and he and his team respected them, and took control of the evening like a champ! The company itself was very easy to work with and had great customer service. The material they shot was excellent. Do I wish they had gotten some shots they didn't? Sure. They missed a few things... but then again, they got some shots I never would have imagined. I also wish I would have asked them to stay for longer (our wedding toasts ran long, etc.) and they ended up having to pack up before they got enough of the dancing filmed for my wife's liking. But they were spot-on for so many other things that I guess it all balances out. On a personal note, my father-in-law had a stroke the week after the wedding. During the six weeks he spent in ICU/hospital it was wonderfully comforting for my wife to have that video of her father. The wedding goes by so fast. Trust us: Spend the cash and you'll have the best memory of the best day of your life. read more

Our wedding DVD was truly a work of Art! We had a destination wedding and Mr. Severson coordinated with our wedding planner to find a skilled local videographer to handle the filming and Smiling Toad did all the editing to prepare the DVD. The footage is priceless as we now have every word of our vows in our own voices, every word said by our officiant who happened to be my Uncle, plus all the speeches from our parents and siblings saved forever. In addition Mr. Severson took all the photos from our photographer and integrated the best still shot into the video! It looked amazing to have video and sound interspersed with the best of our still photos in one seamless story. I would highly recommend the services of Smiling Toad Productions. They are true experts, hardworking, and good people to have at your wedding! read more

Smiling Toad Production videotaped my daughter's June wedding. Originally, she had just booked a photographer, and was hesitant about the additional cost of videography. She happened to find Smiling Toad's website online and it caught her interest. After her initial discussion with John, she felt that he knew exactly what she would like and his packaging was reasonably priced. John and his assistant were very professional and unobtrusive while filming every portion of the wedding day. They were able to capture and compile all the important moments, then set perfectly to music chosen by the bride and groom. Not only were the DVDs completed within three weeks of the wedding, but they were excellent quality and PERFECT! My husband and I were able to watch portions that we missed throughout the day because we were so busy hosting. Many thanks to Smiling Toad Production! read more

Initially I was a bit on the fence about hiring a videographer since we had confidence that our photos would turn out great, but I am so happy now that we decided to work with Smiling Toad. We just got our films back (trailer and highlight) and it has given me so much joy to watch them over and over again. I was also able to share the videos with friends and family who could not be with us on our wedding day and they've all commented that it helped them experience it in a way they just couldn't by looking at pictures. John was very easy to work with coordinating everything and was very patient with following up when I wasn't always quick to respond. I really liked that he asked questions to get to know us beforehand to make sure that we were comfortable on the wedding day and also that the end product would fit our style. We had two photographers as well as the two videographers from Smiling Toad, but everything went very smoothly and I never felt too crowded or like anyone was in the way. Kevin and Sandy somehow were able to capture the intimate moments without us feeling like they were invading our privacy. Overall I would highly recommend Smiling Toad to any engaged couples considering a videographer for their wedding. read more

Amazing company that produced an amazing video for our wedding! John (owner) was great to work with throughout the whole planning process. They were willing to come down to the kankakee area to shoot our wedding and they stayed with us the entire time. Since we were far from their studio, John was willing to make time to have a phone conversation to discuss what we wanted in our video. Our wededing was in August and we got back our videos in a reasonable amount of time (~5 weeks). The highlight and trailer for our wedding was perfect and we could not be happier with the final product!!! read more

I recently hired Smiling Toad to videotape our wedding after being referred to them by two different people. John was an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish and beyond. They take the time to answer all of your questions, rates are VERY reasonable, the service is prompt, efficient and friendly, and they truly care about what they are doing and are more than eager to work with you to customize your video to exactly what you are looking for (music, highlight reels, editing after the event). I hesitated for a long time before deciding to hire a videographer and now I know it was one of the best decisions that I made throughout the entire wedding planning process. It is a very special video that will be shared for years to come. Thank you Smiling Toad for you OUTSTANDING work!! read more

Smiling Toad was an awesome video team to capture our rehearsal dinner and wedding day. Kevin was extremely easy to be around and fun to work with - he seemed to really understand us as a couple and captured moments that were important to us. John was also great, helping us select a package that made the most sense for our budget and our timeline, and pointed out tips for making the most of our time with him. We are so glad we made the decision to spend some extra money to document the day - because it really does go by so quickly, and after months of working on throwing the perfect party to celebrate the most important day of our lives together as husband and wife, we wanted to be sure we could really remember it in a way that highlighted our love, our friends and family, and all the hard work we put into the planning process. We were thrilled with the highlight video & trailer that Smiling Toad put together for us -- we were able to share our day with friends and family who weren't able to join us, and have something we'll treasure forever to remind us of our wedding day. read more

My eyes water every time I watch the videos, the videographers were so friendly, and John was super accommodating to our needs! Thank you!!

Hiring John Severson at Smiling Toad Productions was one of the best decisions I made. The professionalism he and his videographers displayed is quite amazing. From the initial call/meeting to the day of the wedding, my experiences were nothing but positive. Upon my request, he agreed to meet me at the church for a walk through of the space, answered my many questions in a timely manner, was pretty much invisible at the actual ceremony, and produced a final product that was beyond amazing. I was highly impressed when we watched the DVD and it brought my husband and mother-in-law to tears. Thank you Smiling Toad for capturing the wedding of my dreams!!! read more

John and his crew at Smiling Toad are awesome! We recently hired them to videotape our wedding, and the final product is more than we could have ever wished for. Every time we watch it, it brings us to tears! We barely noticed they were there yet they captured every detail. Pricing is very reasonable, and John will work within your budget to give you exactly what you're looking for. Highly recommend! read more

Smiling Toad is awesome. My husband and I met John at a bridal event at the MCA and saw some of his work. We loved that he didn't do typical wedding videography and could see that he had a creative eye, making the usual painful and cheesy wedding video a work of art. We weren't sure if we wanted a videographer at all, but felt that we might regret it later if we didn't go for it. So over a year later, when we decided we should hire one, we remembered John. I had priced out some other videographers and John was definitely competitive with them. He was flexible with his packages, willing to adjust according to our budget and preferences. My husband and I decided that his price was right and his work was the best that we had seen. On the day of the wedding, I literally didn't even know he was there. I saw him once throughout the entire day. He managed to film our day without being obvious or intrusive to the guests. He also didn't use a huge camera with a giant light - which was a major fear of mine. After the wedding, we got a copy of our video quickly and John was fast and responsive throughout the editing process. We were able to make edits to the video, to include and exclude some footage, but I have to say there weren't many edits needed, as he managed to capture great moments in the highlight reel right off the bat. John really did a beautiful job and has been so easy to work with. We couldn't be happier that we hired him as our videographer. read more

I was not convinced (like the previous reviewer) that we really needed to have a videographer at our wedding. After my fiance at the time brought it up too many times, I told him if he wanted a videographer, then he could find one. So he found John and Smiling Toad Prductions, and we ended up sign a contract about 1-2 weeks before our wedding. Now I am very happy that my husband pushed so much for the videographer, because I really do not remember large portions of our wedding day. John and Fernando shot our wedding, and they were perfectly professional the entire time (sometimes we forgot they were even there). And the video quality is great, and so is the editing. I don't think there is much more than what is in the highlight videos that I would say I really wanted to see. Overall, a wonderful experience, and I would recommend Smiling Toad to anyone looking for professional staff and high quality product! read more

First off, a huge thank you to John and his team at Smiling Toad for helping us capture our special day. Initially, I was skepitcal about even hiring a videographer. However, my wife felt that we should hire one. We looked online for suggestions and came across Smiling Toad when my co-worker recommended them. After meeting with John and watching the samples he provided, I knew we found the right guy for the job. The pricing was very reasonable and John was willing to work with our budget. He took the initiative to go to our church to see what the best angles were for filming the wedding. Once we got to the actual big day, we hardly noticed John and his team. However, that is only part of the reason we are thrilled we went thru Smiling Toad. Once we got the video back, we were absolutely floored by the quality of it. The picture quality, the clarity of sound, and John's artistic touches with the editing and layout of the video were phenomenal. I truly look foward to recommending Smiling Toad for our friends and family who will be getting married. By far, some of the best money spent on our wedding. Thanks again John, and the rest of Smiling Toad. read more