Real Moments on 35mm and Medium Format Film: Amy and Julian’s Home Wedding in Leicester
There’s something about film that just hits differently. I always love mixing digital with film on a wedding day, but for Amy and Julian’s wedding at their family home in Rearsby, the film photographs really carried the heart of the day.
I shot on both my Pentax 645 medium format and a Canon 35mm, switching between the two to document the big moments and the quieter, fleeting ones in between. The Pentax, loaded with Kodak Portra, was perfect for the soft summer tones and the open garden spaces. It has this beautiful way of bringing out the warmth in skin tones, giving each frame a richness you just can’t replicate.
One of my favourite frames from the day was the group photo in front of the house. It’s slightly out of focus, a little imperfect, but that’s exactly why I love it. Everyone gathered naturally, no forced smiles, just that lovely in-between energy where people are still laughing and shuffling into place. On film, those moments feel honest and timeless. It’s not about clinical sharpness; it’s about the feel.
Later in the evening, as the light softened, I switched to 35mm for the dancefloor. There’s a frame I caught of Julian and Amy embracing from behind during their evening dance — Amy’s arms wrapped around Julian, both completely lost in the moment. It’s gently grainy, slightly imperfect, but full of intimacy. There’s a tenderness to that image that film just seems to pull out so effortlessly.
What I love about shooting film at weddings like this is how it slows you down. You’re not chasing hundreds of frames. You’re waiting for the right ones. You’re watching more. And with home weddings especially, where everything flows so naturally, film feels like the right pace. It suits those slower moments where people are just being themselves.
Working this way alongside digital gives couples the best of both worlds — the flexibility and speed of digital, and the magic, texture, and nostalgia of film. The final galleries feel layered, with film giving a tangible, soulful edge.
Why Choose Film Wedding Photography?
Documentary wedding photographer using film brings a unique depth and character to your wedding images. The colours, the grain, the slight imperfections — they all contribute to photographs that feel truly timeless. Whether you’re planning a garden wedding, a family celebration at home, or a relaxed outdoor ceremony, shooting on film can beautifully complement the natural flow of your day.
As a film wedding photographer based in Manchester, Cheshire and available across the UK, I offer both 35mm and medium format film alongside digital coverage. Film is perfect for couples who love the feel of old family photographs, who appreciate the honest, documentary style of wedding storytelling, and who aren’t looking for overly posed or polished images.
If you’re searching for a photographer who can capture your day with a mix of film and digital — someone who focuses on genuine moments and the small, meaningful details — I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning a home wedding, a countryside celebration, or an intimate gathering at a venue that’s special to you, let’s chat about how we can tell your story in a way that feels real.
