Kristen King Holmes, owner of Hitched Film, is a talented local woman who enjoys helping couples document their happily ever after.
Established in 2012, Hitched Film offers top-of-the-line videography services for weddings. Holmes, who is married with “fur-babies” (a Labrador, a Boxer and a Frenchie) is also a triathlete who spent nine years in the Army Reserve. She completed two tours in Iraq, studied broadcast journalism, graduated from LSUS and worked a stint at KTBS as a reporter and producer. She was awarded the Army Reserve Broadcast Journalist of the Year award and was featured on “NBC Nightly News” and the “CBS Early Show.” Since then, she’s been a “Jeopardy” question, which she deems totally crazy. Currently, Holmes works as marketing director for an aviation company, while running Hitched Film on the side.
What inspired you to start Hitched Film? Holmes: Video has always been a passion of mine! Once I left journalism, I wanted a creative outlet. I was working at a nonprofit at the time, so it seemed a great idea to turn my passion into a business to supplement my income. We’ve really been blessed with the response.
Q: What does a day-in-the-life look like for you at work? Holmes: On a wedding day, we meet up with our couple in the afternoon. My husband takes the guys, and I hang out with the bride and bridesmaids. We’re with them from the time they’re getting ready until they leave the reception. We spend about seven to nine hours with our couple on their wedding day, and we put some time into getting to know them before the big day, too. We like to feel like friends when the big day arrives, so everyone is comfortable. I edit about one night a week and on Sunday afternoons. I spend a total of about 30-40 hours on a wedding, because I really want to create something that our couples will love for years to come.
Q: How do you juggle your career with your passions and your family? Holmes: I have a full-time job that is by no means low stress, a business which I love, a husband, two dogs and a handful of other hobbies. When it comes to Hitched Film, my editing doesn’t feel like work because I love it, which makes it even harder to unplug. I have set hours and days that I know I’m going to work on editing. That way, I’m not constantly stressed out about what videos need to be edited, and I can focus on being in the moment when I’m away from work.
Q: Does faith play a role in your life? Holmes: Faith absolutely plays a role. I prayed about joining the Army, I prayed about starting Hitched, and I continue to pray that God will give me the courage to take whatever leap is next. I’m beyond blessed for what I have, and I know I’m not in this alone.
Q: What advice would you give other women regarding pursuing their career dreams? Holmes: Go for it! When I began Hitched, I got some push back from people. They didn’t know how I would juggle it and some questioned if I even knew what I was doing. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. Take on what you know you can handle, and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job? Holmes: I love the creativity of it all. A couple chose me to tell the story of the biggest day of their life. It’s such a privilege.
Q: What first prompted you toward cinematography? Holmes: During my time in the Army, I honed my video editing skills and got to play around with different software and work with some of the best out there. I was hooked after that.
Q: What makes Hitched Film unique, especially to the shreveport-Bossier City area? Holmes: There are some fantastic videographers in our region. One thing that makes us unique is that I’m the primary shooter, whereas most other companies are run by men. I bring a woman’s touch when it comes to telling the story. However, my husband is there to hang out with the guys, so we’re offering the best of both worlds. We choose our couples as much as they choose us. We don’t just agree to a wedding to make money. We like to talk to our couples first and see how we mesh. We want to make sure that the wedding day is as smooth as possible, so we like to make sure it’s a good fit for all of us.
Learn more about Kristen and Hitched at the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/HitchedWeddingFilm Instagram: @hitchedfilm www.hitchedfilm.com
