why candid wedding videos are trending in minneapolis: the appeal of documentary style wedding videography
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how couples are choosing to preserve their wedding memories. While traditional posed shots have long been a staple of wedding photography and videography, more and more couples are opting for candid, documentary-style wedding videos. This change reflects a broader movement towards authenticity, personalization, and capturing the true emotions of the day rather than simply documenting events. So, why are couples in Minneapolis—and across the world—embracing this trend, and what does it say about modern wedding culture?
In this post, we’ll explore the growing popularity of documentary-style wedding videography, why couples are choosing authenticity over tradition, and how this trend aligns with broader wedding movements in Minneapolis.
1. The Desire for Authenticity and Real Moments
One of the primary reasons couples are moving away from traditional, posed wedding videos in favor of documentary-style films is the desire for authenticity. Traditional wedding videography often relies on scripted moments, such as the couple posing for the camera in formal settings or being prompted to redo certain actions. While these moments can certainly result in beautiful footage, they don’t always reflect the true essence of the day.
Documentary-style wedding videography is centered around capturing real, candid moments as they unfold. This approach allows couples to relive their wedding day in a way that feels more genuine—focusing on the emotional highs and intimate exchanges that make the day truly special. Instead of staging a “perfect” image, couples are choosing to embrace the raw beauty of their wedding day as it happens, trusting that the unposed moments will result in a more meaningful video.
Why it Matters in Minneapolis: Minneapolis is known for its laid-back, authentic vibe, and this city’s couples are embracing the same spirit when it comes to their wedding videos. With a growing appreciation for local art, natural beauty, and the unique personalities that make the city so vibrant, couples here want their wedding films to reflect the true, unscripted magic of the day.
2. Candid Videos Reflect the Couple’s True Personality
Another significant factor driving the popularity of documentary-style wedding videos is that they allow couples to express their true personalities. Traditional wedding videography often involves structured shots, posed group pictures, and directed moments, which can sometimes feel disconnected from the couple’s own unique style.
In contrast, documentary-style videography captures the couple’s personalities in a much more natural, organic way. It allows the videographer to tell a story that reflects the couple’s relationship, emotions, and the dynamics of the day. Whether it’s a quiet moment between the couple before the ceremony, laughter shared during the reception, or joyful interaction with family and friends, these candid moments add depth and authenticity to the video.
Why it Matters in Minneapolis: Minneapolis couples are increasingly looking for wedding experiences that feel as unique and personal as they are. Whether they’re tying the knot at a rustic barn in the countryside or exchanging vows in a trendy, industrial downtown venue, the emphasis is on making the day a reflection of their personalities. Documentary-style wedding videos mirror this by focusing on the personal and intimate moments that make the day their own, rather than just ticking off a list of traditional shots.
3. Minneapolis’ Shift Toward More Intimate, Personalized Weddings
In recent years, weddings in Minneapolis have increasingly shifted toward being more intimate, personalized, and relaxed. From smaller guest lists to unique, non-traditional venues, today’s couples are opting for celebrations that feel more like a reflection of their personalities and lifestyles. This desire for personalization and intimacy naturally aligns with the shift toward documentary-style wedding videography.
Documentary wedding videographers are skilled at blending into the background and capturing moments as they unfold—whether that’s a candid moment of a bride getting ready, the look of joy on a groom’s face during the ceremony, or the laughter that erupts during a toast. This unobtrusive approach allows couples to feel comfortable and relaxed, which is often at the heart of today’s wedding culture in Minneapolis.
Why it Matters in Minneapolis: With venues like the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, and the Walker Art Center offering an eclectic mix of urban and artistic spaces, couples are increasingly seeking to capture the authenticity and personality of their wedding day. Documentary-style videography fits seamlessly with these types of venues, as it captures both the artful, dynamic backdrop and the genuine moments that unfold within them.
4. The Influence of Social Media and Real-Time Sharing
Social media has also played a significant role in the growing trend of candid, documentary-style wedding videos. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, couples are more aware than ever that their wedding video will be shared with a wider audience. As a result, there’s been a shift toward creating content that feels more genuine and relatable rather than overly polished or scripted.
The desire to share “real” moments with friends and family has made documentary-style videography even more appealing. Couples want to share not just the highlights of their wedding but the raw, unscripted moments that reflect the true emotions of their day. Documentary wedding videos are more suited to this, offering a film that’s not just a collection of posed moments but a cohesive, emotional story that feels real and personal.
Why it Matters in Minneapolis: Minneapolis couples are no strangers to social media and the influence it has on wedding trends. Many couples want a wedding video that feels authentic and shareable, one that’s not only a keepsake for them but a film they can share with their online community. Documentary-style videography’s emphasis on real emotions and natural moments aligns perfectly with the social media culture, where raw, unfiltered content often receives the most engagement.
5. The Rise of “Unplugged” Weddings
Another trend that has influenced the move toward documentary-style wedding videography is the rise of “unplugged” weddings. In an unplugged wedding, guests are asked to put away their phones and cameras during the ceremony and reception, allowing the photographer and videographer to capture the day without distraction. This creates a more intimate, present experience for everyone involved, and it gives couples the freedom to enjoy their day without worrying about guests trying to capture their own photos and videos.
Documentary-style videography fits perfectly with the unplugged wedding movement, as it allows couples to be present in the moment while still ensuring that every important moment is captured. Without the pressure of posing for cameras, couples can focus on the emotions and experiences that make their day memorable.
Why it Matters in Minneapolis: Minneapolis couples are known for their desire to have authentic experiences, and unplugged weddings have become a growing trend in the area. With venues that range from outdoor parks to intimate galleries, unplugged weddings allow couples to experience their day in a more relaxed and meaningful way—while still knowing they’ll have a wedding film that captures it all authentically through documentary-style videography.
6. Creating a Timeless, Emotional Keepsake
Finally, documentary-style wedding videos are often seen as more timeless than traditional wedding videos. While traditional videos may rely on trends or highly stylized shots that can feel dated over time, documentary wedding films focus on the emotional heart of the day—something that never goes out of style.
By capturing natural moments and focusing on the emotions of the couple, family, and friends, documentary-style wedding videography creates a film that can be cherished for years to come. These films feel timeless because they are more focused on the love and connection shared between the couple, rather than fleeting trends.
Why it Matters in Minneapolis: With Minneapolis couples’ increasing desire for wedding experiences that feel personal and timeless, documentary-style wedding videography provides the perfect way to preserve the emotional core of their celebration. The natural, candid footage of friends and family celebrating together will be just as meaningful years from now as it was on the wedding day itself.
Final Thoughts
The growing trend of couples opting for documentary-style wedding videos reflects a larger shift toward authenticity, intimacy, and personalization in wedding culture. In Minneapolis, where the love for unique, artistic, and personal experiences continues to grow, documentary-style videography is the perfect way to capture the true spirit of a couple’s wedding day. Whether it’s the candid moments, the natural beauty of the venue, or the emotions that come with saying “I do,” documentary-style wedding videos create timeless, authentic films that couples will treasure for a lifetime. It’s not just about a record of the day—it’s about telling a real, heartfelt story that captures the essence of love, joy, and the journey shared.