First Looks vs. Traditional Aisles:
A Videographer's Perspective

It’s one of the biggest timeline decisions you will make for your wedding day: do you share a private "first look" before the ceremony, or do you wait for that traditional moment of locking eyes as you walk down the aisle?

Since we started Eksena Films in 2017, we’ve had the privilege of capturing both approaches. As a husband-and-wife videography team, our main goal is to build a story-driven highlight film that authentically reflects who you are as a couple. While we always honour whatever our clients choose to do, we’ll admit we are non-traditionalists who definitely favour a first look.

Here is why we love them—and why the traditional route still holds its own magic.

Why We Favour the First Look

1. Unfiltered, Private Emotion There is a heavy weight that comes with having all of your guests' eyes on you. A first look strips all that away. It allows you to feel everything fully and react completely naturally, without the pressure of an audience. As videographers who love capturing candid audio and genuine interactions, these quiet, intimate moments often give us the most beautiful, raw material to weave into your film.

2. It Doesn’t Diminish the Ceremony A common fear is that seeing each other beforehand will take away from the emotion of the ceremony. From behind our lenses, we can confidently say it doesn't. Walking down the aisle surrounded by your closest family and friends, with your chosen music playing, is an entirely different experience. The first look simply gives you two incredible moments to experience, rather than just one.

3. More Time Together Your wedding day goes by in a flash. Opting for a first look gives you so much more flexibility in your schedule. Instead of hiding from each other for the entire morning and early afternoon, you get to spend the majority of your day actually celebrating together. It also means you can often knock out your portraits early, freeing you up to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests.

The Case for the Traditional Aisle

All of that being said, there is an undeniable electricity to the traditional aisle reveal. The anticipation building in the room, the music swelling, and the collective gasp from your guests as you make your entrance—it’s a powerful, classic experience. If you have always dreamed of that specific moment of seeing each other for the very first time at the altar, it is absolutely worth preserving.

Your Day, Your Story

At the end of the day, we are entirely happy to do whatever our couples want to do. Whether you want to share a private tearful embrace before the ceremony, or wait for that grand entrance in front of your loved ones, your wedding film is going to be incredibly special because the story is entirely yours.

What are you planning for your big day—a quiet first look or the traditional aisle?