Kelsey + Daniel’s gorgeous rainy wedding day at Villa Merlo Nero in Florence, Italy. Shot on 35mm, medium format, and polaroid.

As a documentary wedding photographer who shoots on both film and digital formats, I have come to develop a deep appreciation for the incorporation of film into wedding days. Not only does film have the capacity to produce truly jaw-dropping images in a way that digital just can’t replicate, film also has the special ability to turn candid moments into images that look like flashes of memories—kind of fuzzy around the edges, slightly grainy, bold in color, and bright with emotion.

In the whirlwind of a wedding day, moments of genuine connection and candid emotion often happen during the quieter times. One such crucial period is the cocktail hour—a time often overlooked but invaluable for capturing authentic moments in documentary wedding photography.

Tara and Jake’s intimate wedding in Hawaii was nothing short of magic. They invited only their closest friends and family to celebrate with them in an AirBnb in Kealakekua Bay, a home which made for the perfect backdrop for a day full of laughter and love.

If you aspire to have cinematic wedding photos that transport you back to those precious moments every time you look at them, choosing the right wedding photographer becomes paramount. But how do you find a wedding photographer who can deliver these awe-inspiring cinematic images? To help you in your search, I have compiled a list of three essential qualities to look for when selecting a photographer for your cinematic wedding photos. These qualities will not only ensure stunning visuals but also create a narrative that encapsulates the unique moments of your wedding day.