Film Photography is Perfect for Elopements and Microweddings. I’m not trying to convince you - I’m telling you. it is.
A+A’s intimate elopement at a public park in Charlotte, where they read their vows privately to each other on the bridge before joining us with the officiant.
Whether you're exchanging vows at a courthouse in Hickory, hiking to a scenic overlook near Boone, or sharing an intimate ceremony in Charlotte, elopements and microweddings offer something traditional weddings often miss in the craze of the day — our presence. It quite literally costs money to take a shot in a way that digital doesn’t, and it makes every frame more important. More intentional. I feel more present with the decision of 36 frames vs. 1,000’s of files. And these quiet, intentional moments deserve to be documented in a way that honors their intimacy. That’s where film photography really shines, and how it has changed how I work and approach documenting your memories.
Film feels right for intimate days.
What sticks with me is how joyful and excited A+A were - to be married, to be together, to be present.
Film has a way of capturing truth — the softness of a look, the warmth of real skin tones, the grain of a fleeting moment. It’s not about perfection; it’s about emotion. For smaller weddings where every word and glance matters, film is perfect because it slows us down and lets each image breathe.
Elopements and microweddings often skip the noise and performance — just love, real and raw. That same energy exists in the film process. As a film wedding photographer in Western North Carolina, I shoot intentionally. Every frame is chosen. Every moment is meant to be preserved, not just captured.
Focus on slowing down with intention and purpose.
Film photos feel alive because they are built with care. You can’t fire off 20 frames and pick through them later for which had the best looking wind blowing through everyone’s hair — you take one, maybe two or three if there’s some action, a smile, a big laugh, and it means something. And that’s the kind of memory you want to hold onto. I want to be watching the wind blow through your hair or the way your hand fall together while you talk to your guests, not holding down the shutter button all day. I want to authentically capture those fleeting moments that you’re not paying attention to at the time.
“Nic’s work is raw and natural and perfectly captures the feelings of the moment. Throughout the process Nic was uplifting and helped us feel comfortable just being ourselves.”
Film is a perfect match for intentional days.
B+C’s quick lake elopement came after a week of camping at Lake Norman State Park with their sweet pup, surrounded by family and friends, before dinner in downtown Mooresville together.
For couples breaking the mold, honoring their truth, and focusing on what matters most — film photography is a perfect match. It’s why I like it. I feel like I am more focused on paying attention to you, as a person, when I can let the art and process of shooting film take over. The results are magical. Whether you’re planning a courthouse wedding or an elopement in the NC mountains, film gives your memories the timeless treatment they deserve.
C+N’s intimate couple’s session together on Lomography Lady Grey 400 35mm
Curious about working together? I would love to hear what you’re planning and help you document it in a way that feels true to you.
