Film vs Digital Wedding Photography

Natalie and Trip’s wedding day was unforgettable. We’re talking vibrant colors and sentimental details. The kind of celebration where you laugh, cry, and then cry-laugh—usually in that order. They tied the knot at the St. Paul College Club, which, by the way, is one of those venues that feels like it’s holding a thousand stories in its walls. It’s historic and elegant but still cozy enough to throw a hell of a party—and that’s exactly what these two did. From the custom details to the emotional layers woven into their outfits, this wedding was full of meaning and magic.

When a day is this packed with love and color, you don’t want to flatten it with overly edited, cookie-cutter photos. You want to feel it all over again when you look back. You want to see the softness, the depth, the grain, the glow.

What is the best way to make that happen?

Let’s talk film vs digital wedding photography—because, trust me, the format you choose can totally shift the preservation of your memories.

Film vs. Digital Wedding Photography: A Quick Primer

Let’s break this down real quick—because “film vs digital wedding photography” might sound like some technical deep dive, but it’s pretty simple once you get it.

Film photography is the OG. It’s what your parents’ wedding album was probably shot on—literal rolls of light-sensitive film that have to be developed later in a darkroom (or lab, these days). There’s no screen, no “oops, let me try that again,” and no endless clicking. Just you, the light, and a whole lotta trust in your camera. It’s analog, organic, and a little bit magical.

Digital photography, on the other hand, is what most people are used to now. It uses a sensor to capture images instantly—meaning you can see your shot on the back of the camera the second you take it. You can shoot a ton, edit on the fly, tweak lighting, and change the color profiles right there. It’s fast, convenient, and flexible.

For context, film was literally the only option for photography until digital tech came on the scene in the ‘90s. Then it was like—bam; everyone suddenly had access to cameras that could show you your photo in real-time. Digital took over almost everything.

But here’s the plot twist: in the wedding world, film is having a comeback. Like, big time. And it’s not just for the aesthetic (though, yeah, the vibe is unmatched). There’s something about the way film captures a moment—raw, honest, unedited—that just hits different. It slows things down. It makes each shot intentional. And for couples who want their wedding photos to feel timeless, it’s become kind of a no-brainer.

Why Film Feels Different

Let’s get one thing straight—film isn’t just about making your wedding look like it happened in the 1970s. But sometimes, that is the vibe, and I fully support it.

Film is different because it doesn’t rely on editing to feel beautiful. What you see is what you get—no heavy filters, no tweaking colors for hours in post. It’s about capturing the moment as it actually happened. The light, emotion, and movement are all baked into the photo the second the shutter clicks.

That’s where the artistry of film comes in. Shooting on film forces you to slow down and pay attention. You have to understand your light, know your camera inside and out, and be calculated with every single frame—because you don’t get unlimited shots. There’s no “just take a million and see what sticks” like with digital.

Don’t get me wrong—digital is amazing. You can preview every photo, tweak color profiles on the spot, and adjust. You can refine things a little further in post-production and correct any issues that didn’t quite work out in the camera. It’s efficient, powerful, and super helpful—especially in fast-paced or low-light situations. But film has soul.

Natalie and Trip’s wedding is the perfect example. Natalie wore the train from her mom’s wedding dress, and the emotion in that detail—how it moved behind her as she walked, how it shimmered in soft light—film ate that up. Trip wore custom Stubbs & Wootton shoes and a badass tux sash made of playing cards (yes, really): Whimsy, flair, full send. Film didn’t just document it—it immortalized it. There’s a richness, a depth, an almost cinematic quality that film brings. It doesn’t just look like a moment. It feels like one.

Why Couples Are Falling in Love With Wedding Photography on Film

More and more couples are asking about film—and not just because it’s trendy. I hear the same things over and over again:

“It feels like my parents’ wedding album.”

“It looks so raw and real.”

“We love the unposed magic.”

There’s this nostalgia in film that digital can’t fully mimic. Maybe it’s the grain, perhaps it’s the tones, maybe it’s the fact that you can’t just fire off 30 frames a second. Whatever it is, film slows the moment down. It captures honesty in a quietly powerful way.

Natalie and Trip’s day was full of these kinds of moments—tiny in-between things that didn’t ask to be photographed, but film caught them anyway. Stuff that would’ve gotten lost in the chaos if I hadn’t been shooting with intention.

Why I Blend Film Into My Wedding Photography Workflow

I’m not just a film-or-bust kind of person. I use both film and digital because they each bring something different to the table. Film brings the soul. It gives your gallery that texture, depth, and soft imperfection that feels alive. Digital is my go-to for speed and flexibility, especially in challenging lighting conditions or when I need to ensure we capture every shot on a tight timeline. It enables me to move quickly, adjust, and deliver everything you expect from a professional experience.

But the magic and real storytelling happen when I use both. Because I’m not here to give you a highlight reel—I’m here to document your whole story. Authentically, beautifully, with as much heart as you’re bringing to the day so you can FEEL it all over again.

St. Paul College Club wedding photography on film

Real Wedding Feature: Natalie + Trip at St. Paul College Club

Let us take a moment to talk about the actual stars of the show—Natalie and Trip. First off, they got married on Trip’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Incredible. And they didn’t hold back on the celebration—this was a party through and through.

They asked guests to wear bold colors, and let me tell you; the atmosphere was impeccable—no boring neutrals here—just full permission to show up loud.

Natalie wore her mom’s wedding dress train, giving us the most beautiful blend of old and new. Trip rocked a custom tux sash made of playing cards, plus Stubbs & Wootton shoes and a family heirloom brooch. And don’t even get me started on the ring from Trip’s grandmother. Every corner of the day had meaning, and every detail told a story, which is where film came in clutch.

Choosing a Wedding Film Photographer for Your Day

If you’re sitting here thinking, “Okay, wait… do I need a film wedding photographer?”—the answer is: maybe. Not every couple needs it, and that’s totally okay. But if you’re drawn to that nostalgic, artistic, soul-deep vibe in photos and want the kind of images that feel like memories instead of just pretty pictures, then yeah—film might be for you.

The key is to find a photographer who knows what they’re doing with it. Film isn’t just a filter or a preset—it takes technical skill, patience, and experience. (Pro tip: ask if they shoot real film, what kind, and how they incorporate it into a full wedding day. If they look panicked, that’s your answer lol.)

When I shoot weddings, I blend film and digital intentionally. We’ll talk through what matters most to you, what kind of coverage you need, and whether the film will elevate your story. I’ve got you covered either way—I’m not here to sell you a trend.

If you’re planning a wedding that’s a little offbeat, full of heart, and unapologetically you—I’m already excited. Whether you’re curious about film, already obsessed with it, or want someone who’s gonna document your day with intention, I’d love to be part of it. I offer custom wedding packages that include film photography, allowing you to incorporate that rich, nostalgic quality into your gallery. Let’s make something beautiful together.

Click here to inquire and tell me what you’re dreaming up.