When Did Wedding Films Stop Being About Weddings?

How over-stylised trends are turning real love stories into staged productions.

Wedding videography should be about preserving the emotions, connections, and once-in-a-lifetime moments of your day. Yet, many wedding films today feel more like a polished performance than a true reflection of the celebration.

Epic drone shot. Bride swooning into the camera. Groom walking in slow motion. Details, details, details. Another drone shot. Cake cutting while posing. More details…

Rinse and repeat – for almost every wedding film.

Where’s the story?

Watch enough wedding films featured on blogs or social media, and you’ll start to notice a pattern. Many follow a highly stylised, cinematic formula- dramatic drone shots, slow-motion walks, carefully choreographed moments. On the surface, they’re polished and visually stunning, but look closer, and you’ll find a different story: one of repetition, templates, and, in some cases, a growing disconnect from the actual wedding day.

Of course, not all wedding videographers follow this approach. Many still prioritise authentic storytelling over trends, creating immersive, meaningful films that transport couples back to the real emotions of their day. But the growing demand for editorial-style, highly curated content has led to an industry shift – one where wedding films increasingly resemble mini blockbusters rather than genuine reflections of the day.

This isn’t about dismissing cinematic wedding films altogether. It’s about asking: At what point did wedding videography become more about creating a movie than preserving a memory?

In this blog, I’ll explore how the obsession with over-stylised wedding films, driven by trends like cinematic blockbusters and TikTok-style content creation, has created an industry more focused on aesthetics than connection. More importantly, I’ll share why I’ve chosen a different path: crafting timeless, story-driven films that reflect the true essence of a wedding day.

Photography vs. Videography: Why They Can’t Be Compared

So let’s clarify a point first – wedding photography and videography are often spoken about in the same breath, but they function in completely different ways.

A photographer might lean towards an editorial style, capturing refined, fashion-inspired portraits. But even the most posed photographers still deliver candid images throughout the day – the spontaneous tears, the unplanned laughter, the in-between moments that tell the real story. Photography allows for this blend of approaches, creating a collection of images that balance artistry and authenticity.

Left: A highly stylized, editorial portrait. Right: A genuine, unscripted moment during the ceremony. Photography can balance both – but with videography, the approach defines the entire film. Images by Blanco Razon.

Videography, however, doesn’t work that way.

A wedding film is a continuous, flowing piece. Unlike photography, you can’t seamlessly blend two distinct styles into a single, cohesive film. It’s either a highly stylised, cinematic production or a story-driven, documentary-style film. Trying to combine both often results in something that feels disjointed, forced, or inauthentic.

Below is a film from the Elopement of Brooke and John in Lake Como, see images above, and during their day the photographer spent several hours styling posed moments. I captured on film the more authentic moments from their celebration with a more cinematic story driven edge.

This is a film from the Elopement of Brooke and John in Lake Como, see images above, and during their day the photographer spent several hours styling posed moments. I captured on film the more authentic moments from their celebration with a more cinematic story driven edge.

The problem is this ….

Many modern wedding films are no longer about capturing the reality of the day – they’re about creating a polished performance. Instead of documenting real emotions, films are now directed like movie trailers, where the bride becomes a model, the groom an actor, and guests mere background extras. And once a film is built around this highly stylised concept, the true essence of the wedding is lost.

While photography trends still allow for genuine storytelling, videography trends often eliminate it entirely. Wedding blogs and directories push what’s “in” for videography – dramatic sequences, staged moments, and elaborate productions – without recognising that in doing so, they’re shaping a wedding day that feels more like a film set than a celebration of love.

The Illusion of Cinematic Storytelling

Wedding videography has been rebranded as “Oscar-worthy blockbusters” with “jaw-dropping angles” and “Hollywood soundtracks.” Directories and blogs champion this style, promising couples a film that feels larger than life. But here’s the problem: these films often prioritise spectacle over substance.

I’ve seen it firsthand. A few years ago, I filmed a wedding in the South of France where the bride spent her entire day “working the camera.” Every moment was choreographed, from her morning preparations to the evening celebrations. While her guests mingled and enjoyed themselves, she was striking poses, adjusting her smile, and waiting for the next direction from the photographer. I noticed from her instagram that the days before and after the wedding were just the same … a photo shoot which no doubt provided her with content for her socials for many years to come.

By the end of the wedding day, I found myself asking: What am I doing here?

From the start, I knew this wasn’t my “ideal client.” But the venue – my “dream location” – clouded my judgment when I agreed to take on this wedding. Standing there, watching the day unfold like a carefully choreographed performance, I realised something had to change.

That moment became a turning point for me – a reminder of what truly matters in my work and the kind of stories I want to tell.

It solidified my belief that weddings aren’t movie sets, and couples shouldn’t feel pressured to turn their day into a performance.

Of course, I have the ability to create these highly stylised films. I’ve even done it for styled shoots, like for this one at La Rocca in Italy, which showcased what’s possible with the right expertise. 

“A highly stylised film from a recent styled shoot at La Rocca. With the right team, the right conditions, and complete creative control, it’s possible to craft something visually stunning – but this is not a real wedding. Styled shoots allow for artistic experimentation, but they don’t capture the raw, unscripted moments that make a wedding film truly meaningful.”

But here’s the truth: styled shoots belong in the realm of creativity, not real weddings.

Weddings are about connection, emotion, and authenticity and not conformity to a trend.

This isn’t just about trends; it’s about the entire system of validation that directories and blogs have created, which pressures vendors and couples to conform to fleeting aesthetics. For a closer look at how directories perpetuate these challenges, read my blog on wedding directories and the illusion of exclusivity here.

Styled Shoots vs. Real Weddings

Styled shoots are a fantastic creative outlet. They allow vendors to push boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and create visually stunning content without the constraints of a real event.

I’ve been part of these projects myself, including a recent shoot at La Rocca and another in Venice, which is featured on my website as a ‘Featured Elopement in Venice.’ While the Venice shoot gives the illusion of a real elopement, it was anything but. It was a carefully curated collaboration designed to showcase the beauty and possibilities of the setting.

The result was a beautiful, highly stylised film that showcased the best of what’s possible with a curated team and ideal conditions. But here’s the thing: I would never approach a real wedding in the same way.

Why? Because styled shoots are controlled environments designed for creativity – not authenticity.

A real wedding isn’t about perfect lighting, a model couple, or endless retakes to get the shot just right. It’s about capturing the raw, unscripted moments that make the day uniquely yours.

The danger of applying the styled shoot mentality to real weddings is that it shifts the focus from connection to perfection. Couples feel pressured to turn their day into a performance, forgetting that the most beautiful moments are often the ones you can’t plan for.

The Danger of Misrepresentation

Styled shoots have their place in the industry – they’re an invaluable creative outlet. Take a look at these images from the styled shoot in Venice and I am sure you can see what I mean.

A beautifully curated vision – these are models and this is not a real wedding couple. Images by Stuart Wood Photography

But there’s a troubling trend emerging: some vendors are using styled shoot films and images on their websites without being transparent about their origins.

I’ve seen videographers include styled shoots in their portfolios, giving the illusion that these films are from real weddings. The issue isn’t just the lack of honesty – it’s the implications for couples who book these vendors.

Real weddings are unpredictable, fast-paced, and emotionally charged. They require a completely different skill set than a styled shoot. Vendors who misrepresent their work may lack the experience and adaptability needed to handle the high-pressure environment of a real wedding day.

Imagine a couple booking a videographer, expecting the same level of artistry and professionalism showcased in their portfolio, only to discover on the day – or worse, after receiving their film – that the vendor wasn’t equipped to handle the realities of a live event.

This is not only unfair to couples but also damaging to the integrity of the industry. Styled shoots are meant to inspire, not to mislead. Transparency is key. Couples deserve to know the difference between a creative collaboration and a real-life celebration so they can make informed decisions about who they entrust to capture their day.

Content Creators and the TikTok Effect

Wedding videography is increasingly being influenced by the rise of Content Creators. According to The Wed’s guide, content creators are described as turning moments into “viral sensations” and capturing “behind-the-scenes” (BTS) moments “through the eyes of a bestie.” Their focus is on producing quick, social-media-friendly clips designed to go viral, with “expertly edited wedding reels blending cinematic quality with social-friendly storytelling.”

On the surface, this might sound appealing, especially for couples eager to share snippets of their big day online. But here’s the problem: Content Creation often prioritises speed and virality over depth, emotion, and timelessness. Weddings aren’t TikToks, and a “bestie’s” perspective – no matter how expertly edited – can’t replace a thoughtfully crafted film that captures the essence of the day.

Every film I produce is different because every couple is unique.

I continue to follow my storytelling ethos but the over-stylised cinematic trend doesn’t just affect videographers. It adds pressure for couples, who feel the need to stage their day for social media and ensure every moment is “Instagrammable.” Instead of soaking in the joy of the day, some couples find themselves chasing trends, creating moments for the camera rather than living them.

A discreet approach allows couples to be present in the moment – without the pressure of making every second ‘Instagrammable. Image by Bella & Sass,

(Curious about how content creators are shaping the wedding industry? Read my blog on the rise of content creators in weddings and how they differ from professional videographers here.)

The Pressure to Be Perfect: Are Wedding Films Putting Couples Off?

Weddings are about celebrating love, but for many couples, the growing pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty and performance is taking the joy out of the experience. This is especially true when it comes to wedding films.

Trends like “cinematic videos” and TikTok-ready reels promise couples an “Oscar-worthy” production, but the reality is that not every couple feels comfortable in front of a camera. Brides, in particular, are bombarded with images of models from styled shoots or perfectly posed brides in wedding films, creating a harmful comparison.

For some, the underlying message is clear: If you’re not a model, your film won’t measure up.

This pressure can be overwhelming. Brides may start to feel like they have to rehearse their smiles, perfect their poses, or spend the entire day “working the camera.” Instead of focusing on the joy of their celebration, they’re left worrying about how they’ll look on film.

And for some couples, this pressure is enough to put them off having a wedding film altogether. They fear that the film won’t live up to their expectations – or worse, that they won’t live up to the expectations set by the industry.

Why This Trend Needs to Change

Wedding films shouldn’t make couples feel inadequate or judged. They should be a celebration of love, connection, and individuality – something that reflects the couple’s personality and story, not a trend.

This is why my approach is different. I believe in capturing couples as they are: raw, real, and unfiltered. There’s no need for rehearsals or performances. The beauty of a wedding film lies in its authenticity.

‘PURVEYORS OF TIME TRAVEL THROUGH CINEMATIC STORYTELLING’

Our clients are drawn to our unique approach, seeking a timeless, authentic, and story-driven style.

They desire something far beyond the typical wedding film – a film that feels personal and evocative, capturing the soulful and authentic moments of their day – our films focus on a genuine and authentic narrative that reflects the true essence of your story.

Your wedding film doesn’t have to be a blockbuster. It just has to be you.

Why Storytelling Matters

This is exactly why I’ve chosen to focus on storytelling. I believe in creating cinematic time capsules that take couples back to their wedding day – not just to relive what it looked like but to feel what it felt like. My films don’t just highlight the “big moments”; they preserve the quiet, heartfelt ones that are often the most meaningful.

Storytelling is timeless. It’s not about trends, algorithms, or follower counts – it’s about connection, emotion, and authenticity. It’s about crafting a legacy you’ll cherish forever, not just something that looks good on Instagram today.

Empowering Couples to Choose Authenticity

If you’re planning your wedding, it’s easy to feel swept up in the allure of trends. But here’s my advice: don’t choose a videographer because their work looks like a movie trailer or because they promise you “viral” content.

Choose a videographer who takes the time to understand you and your story. Someone who focuses on capturing the essence of your day, not just the aesthetics.

We are thrilled that we found Emma to create our wedding video. She has an amazing ability to capture the natural flow and joy of a wedding day. While we had seen many beautiful but more formal wedding videos, Emma’s style resonated with us because it felt genuine and heartfelt rather than overly serious or staged. Her videos authentically reflected our personalities, special moments with our loved ones, and the atmosphere of our celebration. Initially, we were hesitant about hiring a videographer because many wedding videos we’d seen didn’t quite connect with our vision, but Emma’s work completely changed our perspective.

Christy & Marcus, Hedsor House

A Sneak Peek of Marcus and Christy’s day … capturing their story in just 90 seconds.

when considering your filmmaker, ask yourself:

• Do their films feel personal and authentic?

• Do you trust them to tell your story in a way that reflects who you are?

• Will their work stand the test of time, or will it feel dated in a few years?

The best wedding films are the ones that take you back – not to a performance, but to the moments that made your day unforgettable.

That’s why at Story Of Your Day we embrace this philosophy by Maya Angelou:

Conclusion: Rethinking Wedding Videography

It’s time to rethink wedding videography. Let’s move away from trends and templates, and return to what truly matters: the love, the connection, and the story that make your wedding day uniquely yours.

Weddings aren’t movie sets. They’re not TikToks or viral moments. They’re a celebration of love, and your wedding film should reflect that – not a trend, but a timeless, authentic story that’s uniquely yours.

How to Choose a Videographer Without Falling Into the Trend Trap

1. Focus on Connection, Not Credentials
Don’t get swept up by “featured in” badges or follower counts. Instead, choose a videographer who resonates with you personally. Their style and approach should feel authentic to your love story, not like a performance.

2. Look for Authenticity in Their Portfolio
Ask whether the films in their portfolio are real weddings or styled shoots. Styled shoots can be inspiring, but real wedding films will give you a better sense of how they handle the unpredictable, emotional moments of a live event.

3. Think Beyond Trends
Trends come and go, but your wedding film is forever. Prioritise timeless storytelling over fleeting aesthetics. A film that captures the essence of your day will never go out of style.

4. Ask About Their Approach
A good videographer should ask questions about you—your relationship, your vision, and what’s most important to you. If the focus is solely on their creative vision, you might end up with a film that feels more like theirs than yours.

5. Prioritise Trust and Comfort
You’ll spend a lot of time with your videographer on your wedding day, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them. A relaxed and trusting relationship will result in a film that feels more natural and reflective of your true selves.

6. Don’t Feel Pressured to Be Perfect
Your wedding isn’t a performance, and you don’t have to look or act like a model. The right videographer will capture the beauty of your day as it unfolds, without needing you to “work the camera.”

Let’s Bring Wedding Films Back to What Matters

Your wedding isn’t a performance, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to turn it into one. If you’re looking for a wedding film that captures the real moments – the laughter, the love, and the unscripted magic of your day – then let’s talk.

Get in touch to discuss how I can create a film that feels uniquely yours – timeless, authentic, and free from fleeting trends.

Or, if you want to dive deeper into how wedding trends are shaping the industry, read my blog on the illusion of exclusivity in wedding directories here.