One of the things I'll always push my couples to do is add film to their wedding day. I shoot film at weddings, and every time I get the scans back I'm reminded why. The nostalgic feel is undefeated. It looks like a memory.
If you've been wondering what film actually adds, how it works and whether it's right for you, here's everything I tell my couples.
What "Film" Actually Means
When I say film, I mean real film. I load a roll into a film camera, shoot it on your wedding day and send it off to be developed and scanned. It's the same way wedding photos were made for decades before digital.
The digital photos are still the main part of your gallery. Film is something I add on top of that, for a set of moments during the day. You get both.
Why I Love It
It looks different
Film has its own color, grain and softness that you just can't fully copy with an edit. Skin tones look warm and natural, highlights roll off softly and there's a texture to it that feels like it came out of your parents' wedding album. My whole style leans editorial and vintage, and film is the most honest version of that look.
It slows everything down
With digital I can shoot as much as I want. With film, every frame counts. So when I pull out the film camera, I slow down, we take a breath and I make each shot on purpose.
It gives you a second way to see your day
When your gallery comes back, you'll see the same moments two ways: the clean, sharp digital images and the soft, nostalgic film frames next to them. It's honestly one of my favorite parts of delivering a gallery.
Real Weddings With Film
Monique & Juan at Mayfair House
Monique & Juan's wedding at Mayfair House in Coconut Grove is the post I point people to first. Their film scans came out phenomenal. The greenery, the balconies, the getting-ready light in their suite, all of it was made for film. If you want to see what film looks like next to Coconut Grove's lush green walls, start there. You can also see more of the venue in my Coconut Grove wedding guide.
Allie & Dillon at the Ancient Spanish Monastery
I shot film at Allie & Dillon's wedding too. All that centuries-old stone, the vaulted cloisters and the candlelit reception tables are a dream on film. You can see some of my favorite film shots from their day in this Instagram reel.
Georgette & Christian
Georgette & Christian are always up for creating with me, so of course we shot film. You can see their Ancient Spanish Monastery wedding and their anniversary session on the blog, and a few of their film frames in my Geo & Chris on Film post on Instagram.
Where Film Fits Best in Your Day
Film loves good light. These are the moments where I like to use it the most:
Getting ready. Window light, the dress hanging up, your people helping you get ready. This is film's sweet spot.
The first look. Quiet, emotional and usually in soft shade.
Couple portraits. Especially at golden hour, right before sunset.
Details. Invitations, rings, florals, the little things you spent months picking out.
A few candid moments. The walk back down the aisle, a hug with your mom, a laugh during cocktail hour.
How It Works With Me
It's included in my top collection. My top full wedding collection adds 35mm film, along with an engagement session and a print credit. You can see the collections on my weddings page If you're booking a different collection and want film, ask me about adding it..
Plan a little time for it. Film takes a few extra minutes during portraits. When we build your timeline together, I'll make sure there's room. This is one more reason I tell every couple to leave gaps in the timeline.
Delivery. Film takes extra time to develop and scan. Your full gallery is delivered within 90 days, and I'll walk you through how your film scans are delivered when we plan your day.
Is Film Right for You?
Film is a great fit if:
You love vintage, nostalgic photos and old family albums.
You're the kind of couple who's up for a few slow, intentional moments during the day.
You want something a little different from what everyone else is posting.
It might not be a big deal for you if you mostly care about crisp, bright, high-volume coverage of everything. That's totally fine. The digital side of your gallery has you covered either way.
FAQ
Do you still shoot digital if we add film?
Yes. Digital is the main part of your coverage. Film is added on top for select moments, so you get both.
Which collection includes film?
My top full wedding collection includes 35mm film. If you're booking a different collection and want film, ask me about it.
Does film work in Miami's light?
Yes, Miami's bright light and lush greenery look amazing on film. I just plan film moments for the softer light, like getting ready by a window, open shade and golden hour.
Let's Talk Film
If you've been looking at film photos and thinking "I want that," you're my kind of couple. Send me your date and venue, and tell me you're interested in film. I'll walk you through how we can fit it into your day. Reach out here, or take a look at my wedding collections.