There’s something so beautiful and nostalgic about film photography, the softness, the grain, the way it feels like a memory captured in time. And then there’s digital photography, clean, crisp, and ready to catch every in-between moment. Your wedding day deserves to be remembered exactly how it felt, not just how it looked. In this blog post, we’re diving into the dreamy magic of combining film and digital photography for your wedding day. You’ll read about why you need both digital and film for your wedding. Plus, I’m sharing a peek into Nora and Peter’s intimate backyard wedding on the lake to show you exactly how film elevated the storytelling of their day.

What’s the Difference Between Digital and Film?

Digital photography is your go-to for quick-paced parts of the day—first looks, first kiss, epic first dance, you walking down the aisle and the look on your partners face. It’s fast, versatile, and incredibly detailed. Think high-quality portraits and stunning group shots in any lighting situation.

Why digital matters:

-Great for fast faced and candid photos

-Stunning details in high resolution

-Fast turnaround

-Safer backups

Film photography, on the other hand, is such a vibe. It’s slower, intentional, and emotional. Film captures warmth, light, and texture in a way that digital just can’t quite replicate. Each frame feels like art.

Why film matters:

-Dreamy, timeless, and creamy skin tones

-Intentional storytelling

-Creative vibe

-Full of emotion

-Major nostalgia when looking back

Why You Should Want Both Digital and Film Photos

When I shoot both digital and film, you’ll get:

-Full coverage (nothing missed!)

-A mix of nostalgic photos and crisp photos

-A timeless aesthetic you’ll never stop loving

You don’t have to choose one or the other. You can absolutely have both and walk away with a wedding gallery that feels rich, textured, and true to your story.

Real Wedding Feature: Nora and Peter on Film + Digital

Nora and Peter’s wedding is the perfect example how both digital and film can coexist and enhance each other. They got married in Nora’s family’s backyard overlooking Oconomowoc lake, surrounded by their closest friends and family. The digital shots were perfect for catching every laugh, detail, and in-between moments. The film shots were perfect for a slow, romantic retelling of their wedding. The light hitting Nora’s face just right, the way Peter and Nora looked as they hugged during the first look, the sun shining on the flat lay, the softness of Nora and Peter in the water after sunset.

“Got the wedding photos back! Holy cow so glad we got a 10hr package and added film. would 10/10 recommend!”

The Best of Both Worlds | Digital and Film Photography

I always tell my couples, you don’t have to choose between digital and film photos! You can and should have both.

Here’s how I use both on a wedding day:

-Getting Ready (digital and film)

-First Look (digital)

-Portraits (digital and film)

-Ceremony (digital and film)

-Exchange of rings, first kiss, recessional, processional (digital)

-Cocktail Hour (digital and film)

-Family Photos (digital)

-Wedding Party (digital)

-Golden Hour/ Sunset (digital and film)

-Reception (digital)

-Details (digital and film)

For more film coverage, like this featured wedding, I highly recommend adding on a second shooter for the day!

FAQ’s About Adding on Film to Your Coverage

Is film included in your packages? Not automatically, but you can add it on to any package.

How many film images will I receive? Each roll contains about 36 photos. I usually shoot 2–10 rolls depending on the vibe and timeline for 36-100+ images.

Do film images match the look of the rest of the gallery? Yes! While they’ll have that beautiful creamy film skin tone and texture, I edit everything for a cohesive look across your gallery. Film skin tones and greens are usually a little different, but nothing crazy!

Are film photos delivered digitally? Yes! After developing and scanning, they’re added right into your final gallery.

Why Film Photography Feels So Different

Film is all about the feeling. Here’s the thing, film doesn’t replace digital, it enhances it! You get the full coverage and reliability of digital plus the emotion, intimacy, and depth of film. Together, digital and film creates a gallery that feels more alive, nostalgic, authentic, and more reflective of who you are.

Final Thoughts : Should you add on film?

If you want your wedding gallery to:

-Feel timeless (not trendy)

-Feel like a cinematic storybook

-Tell your story with honesty

-Have a nostalgic feel

-Be filled with art + emotion

Then Yes. Add on the film!

Ready to bring both to your day? Reach out here!

View the complete blog post on Nora and Peter’s wedding here.