Post-wedding photography at UVic on film

A couple on their wedding day is photographed laughing at each other on a park bench at Uvic campus in Victoria BC. Photographed on film.

Victoria BC Wedding photographer

Some stories feel full circle. Cat and harry have been together for 10 years and, after celebrating their wedding over the summer in Haliburton, Ontario they decided to have an additional wedding portrait session where there was no worry of a timeline or guests waiting. When cherry blossom season arrived at the University of Victoria campus, it was the perfect opportunity to set up our wedding photo session.

Cat and Harry chose all film for their cherry blossom photo session. No digital (they already had digital portraits on the wedding day). And it was exactly right. Analog film’s natural grain and gentle colour falloff gave their wedding photos a painterly, impressionistic quality that simply can’t be replicated digitally.

For film lovers, I’ve listed each film stock used beneath the set of corresponding images. Every effect was created in-camera: intentional motion blur, double exposurs and cinematic SFX lens filters. No fancy Photoshop or AI.

For those planning their wedding and love Cat and Harry’s style, I’ve listed some of Cat and Harry’s details, including Cat’s exquisite Persephone gown and Harry’s custom Indochino suit.

A photo of a couple laughing with bokeh of cherry blossoms at Uvic campus during a wedding photography session in spring.
A grainy impressionistic wedding photograph of a bride and groom cuddling among cherry blossoms using analog film Kodak Portra 400 35mm by Victoria BC's best wedding photographer.
A bride plays with her hair with cherry blossoms in the background during an editorial wedding photo session at Uvic in spring when there were lots of cherry blossoms. This was photographed on analog film.
A bride plays for the camera during an editorial wedding photography session at Uvic. There are cherry blossoms in the background and the session was photographed on film. 
This first set of images was photographed with Kodak Portra 400 35mm film, intentionally overexposed by two stops to bring in more light and developed at box speed by the Canadian Film Lab in BC.

A bohemian wedding dress made for film

Cat wore the Persephone gown by Watters Designs, a dress that feels like it belongs inside a French painting. The gown features scrolling dolomites embroidery, delicate tassel detailing, sweet velvet trim and off-the-shoulder sleeves… and effortlessly bohemian design that moves beautifully and softens in the light. On film the textures of this dress became something else entirely. The embroidery caught light differently, and the trim deepened into soft, romantic tones. British Columbia brides can find this stunning gown and others like it at Novelle Bridal Shop in Vancouver.

Harry wore a custom green Indochino suit (check out the Vancouver showroom for more inspo), classic at first glance, but with a little surprise inside: Monet’s Water Lillies printed in the lining. Very apropos for an impressionistic wedding photo session.

A bohemian wedding dress detail of tassels and a ring photographed on film at Uvic in Victoria BC.
A soft bridal portrait on film where the bride is touching her pearl earrings during a film wedding photography session at UVic in Victoria BC
Detail photos of a custom green Indochino suit with monet's water lillies printed on the lining. This is an editorial wedding photo by a Victoria BC photographer.
An editorial wedding photo of a bride showing her earing details during a boho styled shoot at Uvic in Victoria BC.
A double exposure of magnolias and a wedding couple during a post-wedding photography session at Uvic campus in Victoria BC. The couple is leaning into each other and the magnolias are overlaid over the photo.
A creative wedding portrait of a couple at Uvic in Victoria BC
A creative wedding portrait photographed as a double exposure on film showing a closeup of the couple cuddling and a far-away shot of the couple standing in their boho wedding attire. This was shot as an editorial session at UVic in spring.
Wedding photographer captures bride and groom on film with cherry blossoms at the University of Victoria campus. On the left is an image of the bride and groom kissing while surrounded by blossoms and on the right is a closeup of the bride with bokeh of pink.
Finnerty gardens wedding photography of a couple facing each other next to a rhodo bush in the spring time. This is a film photograph.
A creative artistic wedding photo of a double exposure on film showing a bride and groom cuddling into each other and the lace of the persephone gown overlaid on top of them.
A groom wearing a custom green Indochino suit, available in Vancouver, at Finnerty Gardens during a wedding photography session on film. 
Again, for the film lovers... the next set two images were photographed using Fuji Pro 400h, which until it was discontinued, was one of the most used film stocks for wedding photography (Jose Villa's favourite). I was able to get a roll that expired in 2023 and since it was kept in a fridge the blue colors this film is famous for was preserved beautifully. These photos were created using my Pentax 645nii medium-format camera, which has a negative that's 4.5 x 6 cms large. These negatives can print even larger than most digital cameras on the market today.
Fuji400h portraits on film at Uvic during a wedding photography session in the spring. One photo is of the bride playing with her hair and the other is a full length image of the couple with the bride playing with her dress.

I also photographed Cat and Harry with Kodak Portra 160, which is known for its fine grain.

A creative impressionism photo on film of a bride and groom with reflections overlaid on them.
A soft dreamy film photo session of a bride laughing with her groom (a closeup) surrounded by cherry blossoms during an editorial photo session in Victoria BC
A bride wears a Persephone 50712 gown by Watters Designs purchased in Vancouver BC and the groom wears a green custom made Indochino suit. They are sitting on a park bench during an editorial photography session in Victoria BC
Now, compare the colors and grain to Kodak Gold 200, which I shot using my medium format camera. It's subtle but interesting. The Kodak 160 images were over-exposed by one stop and the Kodak Gold was over-exposed by two stops. Both rolls were developed at box speed.
Film wedding photos of a couple laughing together on Kodak Gold 200.
A light leak photo taken with Kodak Gold 120mm film of a bride moving with motion blur in her persephone gown by watters designs during a fashion shoot at Uvic in Victoria BC
An artistic creative wedding photograph of a bride with motion blur and a light leak wearing a boho wedding dress in Victoria BC.

Wedding photography on analog film, digital or both – you choose

I give every couple the option to choose film, digital or a combination of both. There’s no single right answer… only what feels right for you. After 20 years as a Victoria BC wedding photographer, it feels meaningful to offer this choice, having come full circle from film to digital and back to film. Some love the vivid details from film, others are drawn to the softness and unpredictablility of film. Many chose both. As a Victoria BC wedding photographer, I love that the choice belongs to you.

Considering post-wedding portraits in Victoria BC?

This is a great option if:

  • your wedding day felt rushed
  • you want to wear your wedding clothes again and get more variety with your portraits
  • you’re drawn to film photography but aren’t quite sure you want it for your actual wedding day.

What do you think? Would you like analog film, digital or a combination of both for your wedding photography? Check out my wedding photography information page for more details and let’s chat! I’d love to hear more about how you’re planning to celebrate your big day.

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