Ellie and Matt’s Portland wedding was the perfect combination of vintage inspiration and modern aesthetics. Film wedding photography preserved the joyful atmosphere beautifully. As their photographer, I took a documentary approach to creating a gallery of tender, fun images that feel true to Ellie and Matt.

Candid Film Wedding Photography

Working with Ellie and Matt was a dream for me because film wedding photography was as important to them as it was to me. Ellie and Matt are true film lovers. They even use film to document their life together, so they really appreciate the medium.

In my experience as a film photographer, film combines a cool, nostalgic aesthetic with authentic sentimentality. It draws in people who want to preserve real moments in tangible ways. That’s exactly what these photos of Ellie and Matt’s wedding do!

Film wedding photography has gained popularity in recent years, but it’s timeless in the truest sense of the word. It allows me to preserve moments as they really are. Years from now, you can look at a film photo and remember exactly how that part of your wedding day felt.

You’ll find some wedding photographers recommending film for slower parts of your celebration – getting ready, a first look, portraits. But I think it’s just as powerful for candid moments. Laughter during a toast or a spontaneous hug at cocktail hour translate into instantly nostalgic images with film photography.

Film also feels more intimate than digital photography. The colors and textures you get are cozy and inviting. They have the same atmosphere as the photos in an old family album, a combination of rootedness and artistry.

Would you like to see more examples of film wedding photography? Check out these blog posts.

• Cool Portland Restaurant Wedding Reception with Nostalgic Film Photos
• Unforgettable Wedding at the Bohlin Newport
• Design-forward Backyard Wedding on Film

Honestly, you could check out just about any of my blog posts and find lots of film photos. It’s my favorite medium for documenting your love.

A Sweet, Intentional Celebration

Ellie and Matt are the kind of people I love to work with. They’re both so much fun. Any time they’re together, you’ll see belly laughs and good times. Just thinking about spending time with them, I get a big smile on my face. Ellie and Matt started their wedding day in the best place in their relationship – silly, sweet, down to earth, and in love.

For their wedding day, Ellie and Matt went for a colorful palette. They got married at a private venue built in 1928. Their colorful florals and wedding party attire brought a modern aesthetic to the historic space. Instead of clashing, the bright hues embodied the lively energy Ellie, Matt, and their community brought to the space. Even the flower girls wore colorful dresses.

The ceremony took place outdoors in the sunshine. Rays of light shone through the tree branches on the lush yard. Ellie’s bridesmaids wore dresses that matched the flowers on the incredible ceremony installation. The swaths of rainbow colors transformed the green yard into an even more beautiful space.

With the film wedding photography at their wedding, Ellie and Matt wanted me to take a documentary approach. Community was big for them. They wanted to have as many photos as possible of loved ones and guests as they could. On their wedding day, I could see why. Ellie and Matt had a huge community of people who loved them so much.

Ellie and Matt brought some deeply personal touches to their wedding day. Even their cake was special. Ellie baked it herself! She covered it in chamomile flowers for a whimsical effect. It made for a fun moment at the cake cutting where Ellie wore a colorful polka dot veil.

Your Film Wedding Photography

While some photographers offer film as an add-on to their packages, I include film wedding photography in all of my packages. I’m that passionate about its ability to preserve moments and emotions in a way that will be meaningful decades from now. 

Would you like me to photograph your wedding? I’m a Portland wedding photographer ready to travel. I’d love to document your day on film and digital. Get in touch with me here! 

Thank you to the vendors who helped make this wedding so wonderful.
Photography: Andreia Claro Photography
Dress: Blue Sky Bridal
Florals: Jackalope Floral Co.
Hair and Makeup: Crystal Lee Addleman