First Look vs. Traditional Aisle Reveal: Which One’s Right for You?
Planning your wedding day comes with so many decisions—what flowers to use, what dress to wear, what songs to include in your ceremony—and somewhere in the mix, one of the big questions comes up:
Should we do a First Look, or wait to see each other at the altar?
As Christian wedding videographers, we’ve had the honor of filming lots of couples over the past 8 years—some who chose private, emotional First Looks, and others who saved that moment for the walk down the aisle. The truth? Both options can be powerful, sacred, and deeply meaningful—it just depends on your personality, values, and vision for the day.
Let’s break it down:
First of all, what is a First Look?
A First Look is a planned moment where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, usually privately with just your photo/video team nearby. It’s an intimate pause before the rush of the day.
Pros of a First Look
Private, emotional connection — You get a few quiet minutes to breathe, talk, and pray together before the day takes off.
Eases nerves — So many couples say the nerves melt away once they see each other.
A smoother timeline & more time for portraits — Getting most photos done before the ceremony means more time to enjoy your guests afterward.
More time together on your day where you would otherwise spend a lot of time apart
Cons of a First Look:
Less traditional — If you’ve always dreamed of seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle, this skips that.
Earlier start time — Hair and makeup will need to be done a bit earlier.
Can feel staged — Some couples feel awkward about making the moment “performative.”
What is a Traditional Aisle Reveal?
This is the classic moment: the groom sees his bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle. It’s public, emotional, and often deeply spiritual.
Pros of a Traditional Reveal:
Timeless and dramatic — That walk down the aisle is unforgettable, and having everyone witness it can be powerful.
Spiritually significant — Many couples view the ceremony as sacred and want to save the first moment for that covenant setting.
Heightened emotion — Seeing each other for the first time in front of loved ones makes for a powerful and tear-filled moment.
Cons of a Traditional Reveal:
More nerves — Some couples feel anxious waiting to see each other for so long.
Tighter timeline — You’ll need to squeeze in all portraits after the ceremony, which can feel rushed.
Less private — You don’t get that quiet moment to breathe or pray together before the ceremony begins.
Our Honest Take
Here’s the thing: there’s no right or wrong answer. Your wedding is a reflection of your relationship and your faith, not a performance. Whether you want to lock eyes privately before the ceremony or save that moment for the aisle, what matters most is that it’s meaningful to you.
At Monument Films, we’re here to prayerfully capture the day you’ve dreamed of—whether it starts with a First Look or a veil-covered walk down the aisle.
Your story, your way.
We’re just here to help you remember it forever.
See Lukas & Alex’s Emotional Rooftop First Look Here
5 Ways to Glorify God at Your Wedding
5 Ways to Glorify God at Your Wedding
Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life — not just because you're committing to forever with your best friend, but because it's also an opportunity to reflect God's love and goodness. If you're planning a Christ-centered wedding, you might be wondering how to intentionally make the day about more than just pretty details and Instagram-worthy moments. The good news? There are some simple but powerful ways to glorify God throughout your celebration.
Here are 5 ways to make your wedding a beautiful reflection of the Gospel:
1. Make Time to Pray Together
Your wedding day will fly by in a blur of photos, hugs, and happy tears — so be intentional about setting aside a moment to pray together. Whether it’s a “first touch” around a corner, a private moment after your first look, or a quiet time post-ceremony, praying together is a sweet way to invite God into the day. Thank Him for what He’s done, ask Him to bless your marriage, and take a breath to center your hearts on Him before all the excitement kicks in.
Tip: Have your photographer or videographer capture this moment from a distance — it’s often one of the most heartfelt parts of the day.
2. Have Your Minister Present the Gospel
Your wedding is more than a ceremony — it’s a testimony. When your minister shares the Gospel during your ceremony, it becomes a beautiful opportunity to witness to your guests. Not everyone in attendance may know Jesus personally, so letting your officiant share what Christ has done can plant seeds in hearts.
This doesn’t have to be long or preachy. A simple, sincere explanation of God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, and the picture of the Gospel found in marriage is powerful enough.
3. Include a Time of Worship
There’s something deeply moving about worshiping together on your wedding day. Whether it’s a full song set led by a worship team or just a single hymn sung by everyone, this moment reminds everyone (including you!) that the day isn’t just about two people — it’s about Jesus.
You don’t have to overthink it. Choose a song or two that are meaningful to you as a couple — maybe ones that carried you through engagement or represent your heart for the Lord — and let your guests join you in lifting them up.
4. Take Communion During Your Ceremony
Taking communion together during your ceremony is a powerful way to start your marriage with Christ at the center. It’s a sacred pause in the middle of the day to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and the covenant He made with us — which mirrors the covenant you’re making with each other.
You can share communion just the two of you, or you can invite your entire audience to participate. Either way, it’s a beautiful reminder that marriage isn’t just a contract — it’s a covenant made in the presence of God.
5. Invite Your Loved Ones to Pray Over You
Let the people who love you speak truth and blessing into your lives. Whether it's your parents, bridal party, pastors, or all of the above, having others pray over you is such a powerful way to close out your ceremony or even begin your reception. You can make it a formal part of your ceremony or keep it intimate and private — either way, it’s a sweet way to start your marriage surrounded by prayer and support.
Don’t worry about making it perfect — just let it be real, heartfelt, and Spirit-led.
Your wedding can be so much more than a celebration — it can be an act of worship. When you take time to glorify God in your ceremony, you’re not only inviting Him into your day but also setting the tone for a Christ-centered marriage. And that’s what really matters.
So yes, enjoy the flowers, the cake, the dancing, and the dreamy details — but also make space for Jesus. He’s the reason you’re here in the first place.
Marriage is a picture of the Gospel — let your wedding day reflect that beautifully.
Need help capturing a wedding day that glorifies God? At Monument Films, we prayerfully craft wedding films with your marriage in mind. Let’s tell your story in a way that honors the One who brought you together. 💍✨