I first fell in love with Super 8 film in 2018 while taking a workshop at the Northwest Film Center in Portland, Oregon. At the time, I was studying film at Portland State University and had already spent years documenting my life digitally, but film was a whole new ballpark!
From the moment I heard the loud whir of that old camera motor, I was hooked. The physicality of handling the film, the delicate process of exposing and developing each frame, then screening it back felt like watching imperfect magic. The slight camera shakes, the film grain, even the scratches that come with age. Super 8 delivers a warm, cinematic texture that digital video simply can’t replicate. The soft grain, flickering light, and subtle color shifts create a dreamy, romantic vibe that feels like a memory come to life.
In a world overflowing with ultra-HD video and instant Instagram stories, there’s something irresistibly romantic about going analog, especially on one of the most meaningful days of your life. That’s where Super 8 film comes in. And recently, I’ve obtained and found joy in offering another nostalgic option: the vintage 90’s camcorder!
Originally introduced in the 1960s, Super 8 is a charming grainy, intimate film format that’s made a beautiful comeback. But for couples looking for a different kind of retro charm, 90s-style camcorder video that gives a soft, slightly digital aesthetic, offering an equally nostalgic and emotional feel. It brings a kind of home-video intimacy that’s raw, honest, and incredibly heartfelt.
Unlike traditional wedding videos that may feel staged or overly produced, Super 8 and camcorder footage captures honest and candid moments. It encourages a fly-on-the-wall approach to filming, highlighting fleeting glances, spontaneous laughter, wind in the veil, the way your partner looks at you when no one else is watching and the small, beautiful in-betweens that often go unnoticed.
Because each super 8 film cartridge holds only a few minutes of footage, I have to be intentional with what I capture. Each clip is chosen with care and purpose, that results in thoughtful, artistic storytelling. That mindset carries over to camcorder video as well, less about endless footage, but moments that matter.
These formats thrive in natural light and quiet, personal settings. They’re perfect for intimate ceremonies in the mountains, at the coast, in the desert, the forest, or even your own backyard. It also pairs beautifully with film photography such as 35mm & 120mm to round out a full visual story of your day. It turns the ordinary into the extraordinary, with every frame infused with emotion, light, and texture.
Choosing Super 8 or camcorder video isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a creative decision. It says something about your values: that you care about moments, not perfection. That you want your wedding day captured in a soulful, intentional, and artful way.
It’s not just documentation, it’s storytelling. It’s a tangible, honest, and timeless heirloom.
It’s not for everyone. And that’s exactly the point. If you’re planning a small wedding or elopement rooted in intimacy, artistry, and emotion, consider capturing it with Super 8, camcorder, or both. Years from now, when you watch those flickering frames, it won’t just bring you back to the day, it’ll bring you back to how it felt.
Interested in adding Super 8 or Camcorder to your love story? Let’s talk about how we can bring that nostalgic magic to your day.
